Why do people keep using the word Hispanic? It’s literally a word forced onto latinX/Chicano/a folks by white Spanish settlers like it’s my understanding that it’s not a good word to use? If I’m out of line tho I’m sorry please call me out
Hispanic = Spanish Speaking Latina/o = From Latin America (Anything below U.S.) Chicana/o = Mexican American
So for example someone from Spain is Hispanic the same way someone from Mexico or Venezuela would be. However Mexico and Venezuela would also be Latin where as Spain isn’t. Brazil is also Latin but not Hispanic as they speak Portuguese there.
Personally, as a Mexican(-American), I do not particularly like being referred to as Hispanic because it groups me in with the Spanish. Even though as Spanish Speakers we are technically Hispanic. I can say that most of us (Mexicans at least) do not really care for Hispanic when being referred to. My personal problem with Hispanic is that I feel it is a “white” term, which a lot of us would agree with and feel. I don’t like being grouped in with the people that wreaked havoc on my indigenous ancestors. Most people (especially the press) don’t know that though, so I usually educate instead of getting mad. For that reason I wouldn’t say it is as bad as other terms used towards us by outsiders (beaner, wetback, etc). But if you know about it, definitely do not use it.
Some will also have problems with Chicana/o, as there is a generational thing there as well (like the word Queer). Even with those of us that are (mostly younger) some may not like an outsider referring to them as such. Or may only be okay with it if they are close with them. Some Chicanos don’t even like other Chicanos calling them Chicano. Personally, I much prefer Chicano, but I wouldn’t really be okay with an outsider calling me Chicano unless I was close with them. So I would say don’t use it unless you are Chicano.
Keep in mind this is from a Mexican(-American) perspective though, other Latin American people’s might have different opinions.
TL;DR: Just use Latin designations when referring to all of us, and if possible, use our actual nationality when you can. It is not a crime to say Mexican.
