For most of my life, I have seen the terms Hispanic and Latino used interchangeably and in conversation with each other. The US Census Bureau began this trend and considers Hispanic/Latino origin to be the same idea, the same concept, regardless of race. Race is an entirely different factor—which I won’t go into—but it’s time more students understood the key differences between these terms and when to use them.
The correct answer is not that simple, unfortunately.
First, let’s talk about the history of these terms. After much Hispanic and Latino activism, the Census Bureau finally invented “Hispanic” to act as a broader terminology for Latinos and Hispanics, even though they are different from each other. According to Britannica, “Hispanic” is not as inclusive as “Latino”; it includes only those from Spanish Latin America, including some parts of the Caribbean and those from Spain. In the 90s, criticism was raised about “Hispanic”.because it had strong ties to Spain and colonization, thus, “Latino” was coined to mitigate these issues.
The term “Latino” is derived from the word “Latinoamericano” and loosely refers to those born in or whose ancestors come from Latin America. This distinction also includes Brazilians. “Latino” does not include Spaniards, as it is not based on the speaking of Romance languages, such as Spanish. In layman’s terms, this means that Brazilians can consider themselves Latino, but not Hispanic (since the language of Brazil is predominantly Portuguese). A Spaniard is only Hispanic and not Latino and vice versa. In my case, I am both as my mother is Colombian and my father is Mexican – both Spanish speaking countries and within Latin America. In essence, understanding and distinguishing between the two is important not only for respecting Latinos/as well as Hispanics, but also for recognizing their cultural differences.
However, these categories and binaries leave out the diverse indigenous populations, fertile from the Spanish lands; a group like the Mayans, who practice their own language and culture, which are distinct from the rest of Mexico, Guatemala, and other countries they populate. According to World Bank, indigenous peoples make up about 8% of Latin America’s population, but still suffer from poverty, lack of access to health care, basic services and education. The fight for their collective existence and rights is still a necessary battle.
The term “latinx” originates from “latino”, and its use began in 2018, for Merriam-Webster. Used by those who choose not to use Latin because they don’t want to be defined by gender. The Pew Research Center reports that roughly one in four Hispanics have heard of the term, but only about 3% use it to describe themselves. I have already felt the criticism from those who have some disdain for the term, claiming that it was coined by American English speakers who have no stake in this war. Others claim it as a more inclusive gender term, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community. I’m glad there’s a term that people feel connected to and comfortable using – Spanish, like any other language, must evolve with the times and those who engage in it must be willing to do so as well.
Ultimately, Hispanic, Latino/a, or Latina individuals may fall under some of these categories or may choose to define themselves as where they feel connected. In my experience, some Latino or Hispanic individuals simply answer like, “I’m Puerto Rican” or “I’m from El Salvador” and vice versa. If they consider themselves to be such, there is no need to force them to further explain their heritage.
Use this Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month to educate yourself about these terms and the stories or people behind them. For my Latinos, Latinas, and Hispanics on campus, NC State has a wealth of resources, clubs, and events for this month. Check out the counseling center Web page and Multicultural Student Affairs’ calendar for more information.
