Latinamerican joining Fraternities

[LatinaAlumna]

Originally Posted by JohnnyCash

I'm Hispanic.

Yes, I'd say you are definitely Hispanic. Maybe one day you will learn enough to become Latino.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by LatinaAlumna

Yes, I'd say you are definitely Hispanic. Maybe one day you will learn enough to become Latino.

*Oh Snap Gif*

[voLTAgeDEuce]

Originally Posted by FIA1931

Your post on the other hand, is filled with ignorance and assumptions. Yes, LGLO have borrowed traditions from NPHC orgs; that's a fact. I'm not sure how you jump to the conclusion that they have "very little to do with Latino culture and only seek to emulate NPHC and Black culture in general." The statement alone shows a lack of knowledge on what the organizations do on campuses across the nation.

Speaking on my org alone; we DO have brothers/chapters that engage in service work in Latin America, donate to charitable Latino AND non-Latino organizations, teach English to recent immigrants, etc. I've never came across a LGLO that does not engage in some type of endeavor within the Latino community.

Belittling our organizations is exactly what you attempted to do with that post. Identifying as Latino doesn't get you a pass. Wrong is wrong regardless of who says it.

Thank You for informing him!!

Originally Posted by LatinaAlumna: Yes, I'd say you are definitely Hispanic. Maybe one day you will learn enough to become Latino

I love that ^^

[33girl]

Originally Posted by LatinaAlumna

Yes, I'd say you are definitely Hispanic. Maybe one day you will learn enough to become Latino.

In all seriousness - what is the difference between the two? I've never understood if it's just preference, if it's a geographical issue, or what. We don't have a huge population of {whatever I should say} in these parts.

[DrPhil]

I'm a non-Latina Black person so someone please inform me if I'm wrong.

One difference that I was taught has to do with the origins of the different terms and the issue of self-identification. Based on that origin, it makes sense that Hispanic is used as a technical term (such as in research and studies of demographics like the Census) but many people who are historically and culturally conscious will self-identify as Latina/o rather than Hispanic--even if they sometimes say Hispanic to appease others who are more familiar with "Hispanic" than "Latina/o."

Slate also explains how some see this: http://www.slate.com/id/2219165/

[knight_shadow]

I've been taught that Hispanic is too closely tied to Spain for non-Spaniards comfort.

/another non-Latino POV

[LatinaAlumna]

Dr. Phil and Knight_Shadow are both correct. In many parts of the country, it is an insulting term not only because it was imposed on us by the government, but because of the history of Spanish conquest over our indigenous ancestors. (And this is putting it very simply). Where I am from (and in many other parts of the country), people who choose to identify as "Hispanic" are generally those who want to distance themselves as much as possible from their roots, choose not to educate themselves about their origins or become educated about issues that impact the community, etc. (basically, sell-outs).

[33girl]

That makes a lot more sense. Thanks all!

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Additionally, those of Brazilian ancestry are not "Hispanic", so none of the categories provided by the government make sense for them.

[sigmadiva]

Originally Posted by LatinaAlumna

Dr. Phil and Knight_Shadow are both correct. In many parts of the country, it is an insulting term not only because it was imposed on us by the government, but because of the history of Spanish conquest over our indigenous ancestors. (And this is putting it very simply). Where I am from (and in many other parts of the country), people who choose to identify as "Hispanic" are generally those who want to distance themselves as much as possible from their roots, choose not to educate themselves about their origins or become educated about issues that impact the community, etc. (basically, sell-outs).

Thank you for the lesson. I learned something new today!

What about the term 'Chicano'? How does that fit in with Latino / Hispanic?

[knight_shadow]

I thought Chicano was specifically used by Mexicans.

[LatinaAlumna]

"Chicano" or "Chicana" are terms used by some Mexican Americans to describe themselves that became popular in the 1960s/70s, particularly with activists. These terms are still rejected by many older Mexican Americans (long story). In my view, a Chicano or Chicana is a person who is takes an active role on a variety of fronts (building his/her awareness of Mexican American history, learning about issues that impact the community, getting involved with activities that support the community, etc.). Many Chicanos/Chicanas are from families that have been in the US for several generations, and have very much been raised as "Americans." At the same time, they recognize that their experience in the US is not necessarily equal that of the majority, driving many to become very involved in social and political issues.

When people ask me what I am, I say "Chicana" because I feel this term *best* describes me, the way I was raised, and the way that I experience my life. However, if someone asks me if I am "Latina," I will say yes, and explain that within the "Latina sub-group" I am a Chicana. In the case of my screen-name, I chose "Latina Alumna" to reflect that my sorority is a Latina sorority, comprised of women who represent the various ethnic and cultural groups that fall under the "Latino/a" umbrella. The word "Latino" is not perfect either, but I digress.

[sigmadiva]

^^^^

Thanks again!

[Little Dragon]

Originally Posted by 33girl

In all seriousness - what is the difference between the two? I've never understood if it's just preference, if it's a geographical issue, or what. We don't have a huge population of {whatever I should say} in these parts.

Not disagreeing with what has been said, I would add that the connotation of each word varies from region to region. In some parts, latino is derogatory and people prefer to be called Hispanics, while in others, the contrary is the rule. The emotions behind each word would depend on the personal experiences of each person.

Going to the roots of each word, Hispanic would only be used for people coming from Spanish-speaking America, while Brazilians are also considered Latinos by many.

In Spanish, there are three names used to conglomerate the countries in Central, South and Caribbean America:
1. Hispanoamérica (Spanish America) - self explanatory
2. Ibero-América (used to describe Spanish-speaking and Portuguese-speaking America)
3. Latino América (although not the most common use, it is used sometimes to include French-speaking America, i.e. Haiti, French Guyana, but not Canada).

EDIT: I am all three: hispanoamericano, iberoamericano and latinoamericano. What I am not is a SPIC.

[LatinaAlumna]

^Thanks for adding this.