Hispanic Identity Lecture

Sociology 337

Hispanic Identity Lecture
Ethnicity is a difficult topic to discuss. When discussing terms of ethnicity it is challenging to truly identify a Hispanic. The reason for this is because the term Hispanic is used for what seems to be a variety of ethnic backgrounds. If one looks at the term Hispanic in attempts to identify its origin, one will be taken back to a time when the Romans used the root of the word, Hispania, to refer to the Iberian Peninsula (Gracia, 2000). Eventually the term turned into España, and a term used to refer to people from Spain or Spanish descent. However, the term is now used to describe people not only of Spanish descent but also for Latin Americans and descendants of Latin Americans and Spaniards in the United States.
The reason attempting to group Hispanics according to a common set of shared traits is problematic; is because Hispanics may have some common traits, however, they also have many differences. The problem is one cannot assume we are all the same, although the saying everyone is equal does come into play it is unlikely that we all in fact share the same traits. So, the idea of assuming Hispanics includes such a diverse group of people seems unrealistic. How can a Latin American, Mexican American, and Spaniard really relate? Although they do have some shared traits historically, they have many differences and this is where the arguments truly begin. Not one individual truly wants to lose their identity and in creating these terms to define a people that is exactly what is being accomplished. It is already a struggle as a human being to truly identify oneself and now many people are being forced to refer to themselves as this or that term. That is the problem. People want to identify themselves not correctly and not based on simply sharing some common traits. They want to relate to their own people from their own country, no have to share a term with that of three or more countries.
In reality, however, identifying Hispanics in historical terms really does make the most sense. However, shared common traits may not be enough for everyone to accept the term Hispanic. However, identifying Hispanics in this way seems to be the only way that truly identifies Hispanics while still maintaining the fact that simply being Hispanic does not in fact mean one shares the same traits with that of another Hispanic. This way every person identified as Hispanic is still able to keep his or her own identity, like that of a Spaniard, Latin American, Mexican, etc.
Although it is understandable the desire to want to properly identify a people from another for census purposes, there does not seem to be any other true reason to do this. Why not permit Spaniard to simply call him or herself Spanish? Or people from Argentina, would it be so shameful or horrible for them to call themselves Argentinian, rather than to have to mount themselves with a variety of groups and call him or herself Hispanic or Latino?
The terms Hispanic and Latino are very problematic within the community of Mexicans, Spanish and people from Latin America. “The terms vex native Spanish-speakers and spark debates at social gatherings. Non-Hispanics get stumped on which to use, while they are used interchangeably in media reports and advertisements. The dictionary doesn't provide much assistance: Merriam-Webster's online dictionary defines "Hispanic" as a person "of Latin American descent living in the U.S., especially one of Cuban, Mexican or Puerto Rican origin" and a Latino as a "person of Latin-American origin living in the U.S” (Diaz, 2004). So as a person whom has to identify with one of these terms, how does one decide which term fits them best? It has become increasingly difficult to choose and to truly identify one self. What is interesting to see is that even within Spanish-speakers the debate seems even higher as to which term should be used to identify. It would make the most sense to allow individuals to choose the way in which he or she wants to identify him or herself.
Another concern that seems to play into the debate in using the two terms Hispanic or Latino is that it causes a rift when thinking back historically speaking. The Spanish committed many atrocities in Mexico and many other parts of the world. This means that using a term, which in fact was used to describe a people of Spain, would seem a bit unfair for those who are Mexican or of Mexican descent. Maybe they do not want to fully recall the atrocities committed by the Spanish, or maybe they want to be able to identify whom they are without having to feel like they are being put into a group, which was once used to refer to Spanish.
The desire to want to identify a person or group of people is understandable, especially for purposes such as the census. However, ethnic markers only serve to remind people of their differences and separate what could be a community into clutters or groups. It is clear that everyone is different, but is it necessary to have this type of reminder? It should be up to the person to decide what he or she wants to be called. If people who are Mexican do not want to refer to themselves as Hispanic or Latino let them be. Maybe they would prefer to simply call themselves Mexican. The same goes for any group of people from anywhere around the world. There should not be specific ethnic markers. And if there are going to be ethnic markers then it should include ALL ethnic markers. Including those such as: Argentinian, Mexican, Nicaraguan, Portuguese, Spanish, etc. This way a person from Argentina can choose to refer to him or herself as either Argentinian or Hispanic or Latino. The point is now they have the choice rather than being forced into using a term they may not feel comfortable with using to describe him or herself.
The problem however, with not using certain racial markers and allowing people to decide if he or she even wants to have a term to describe who he or she is, is that it allows for issues of being unable to identify oneself to begin. "The reality," said Clara, is that "no one will probably ever come up with a term that satisfies everyone. (But) self- identification should be respected" (Urbani, 2003). Self-identification is the reason many problems begin with in the first place, and although using a term like Hispanic may or may not work for everyone it still allows for people to find a way to identify with a culture or race. So would it be better for no racial markers to exist? Probably not, because it would mean that the issue of self-identification would hit an even bigger rise of problems. Without racial markers whom would a person be identified as? How would people distinguish each other from others? Although having racial markers does lead to not everyone being satisfied with the terms available there is still hope in identifying oneself and understanding where one came from, whereas without these terms or racial markers a people would grow up with the idea that we are all the same and cultures would lose a sense of self or differences.
Overall, there will always be a debate on whether a person should use the term Hispanic or Latino. However, it is up to a person to decide what he or she wants to be called and to figure out why he or she feels the need or desire to identify with this or that term. It is important that prior to people debating or arguing that they truly identify their own culture or heritage historical origins. This will allow them to have a better understanding of where they come from prior to deciding what term they want to use to refer to him or herself. People will always need to identify whom they are, where they come from. It happens not only in race but also in religion. It is just a matter of people becoming more educated on their own origins and less preoccupied with the idea that one single term such as Hispanic or Latino could refer to them and people from very different cultures.

References
Diane Urbani Deseret, M. N. (2003, Jul 07). For many in Utah, 'Hispanic' fits poorly. Deseret News. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/351141228?accountid=35812
Diaz, J. (2004, Jan 25). Latino? Hispanic? Which is it? Spanish speakers are divided and often confused. Boston Globe. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/404883408?accountid=35812
Gracia, J. J. E. (2000). Hispanic/Latino Identity: A Philosophical Perspective. Maiden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishers Ltd.