What is the Difference between Hispanics and Latinos?
Hispanic and Latino are adjectives used to describe people who come from different cultures and different sociopolical histories and who would not refer to themselves as such in their own countries. They include Cubans, Chicanos, Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Argentinians, Columbians, Dominicans, Brazilians, Guatemalans, Costa Ricans, Nicaraguans, Salvadorians and all other nationalities that comprise South America and Central America, and the Caribbean (McGoldrick, Giordano, Pearce, 1996). Many Latinos take pride in their nationality. Once Latinos arrive in the US they are Officially categorized as Hispanic. This label is used by the US Census Bureau to track population growth, and trends in education and socioeconomic levels. Many Latinos feel that being labeled Hispanic robs them of their nationality, symbolizing their loss of identity and is therefore opposed by Latinos. However it may be beneficial to some groups in terms of gaining political power through unifying various groups. The
