Hispanic or Latino: What’s in a name?”

Southwest Asia -- From Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, the United States will once again celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. In 1968, Hispanic Heritage Week originated as a result of public law to promote educational awareness. From that humble beginning, the celebration blossomed into month-long ceremonies and activities that recognize the accomplishments of Hispanics and Latinos in American society. Hispanics and Latinos are unique in their origins, but these terms are often used synonymously. Despite the differences, both have had a positive impact on America.

The terms Hispanics and Latinos do not define a separate race of people, but rather describe people from certain origins. The term Hispanic derives from the mostly white Iberian Peninsula that includes Spain and Portugal (located in Europe), while the Latino term derives from the indigenous people of the Americas (Mexico, Central America, and South America). Mexico and most nations in Central and South America speak Spanish because they were once colonies of Spain. Despite these differences and origins, many Latino and Hispanic US citizens would prefer simply to be called Americans, while others identify with their culture or national background.

In reality, almost all American Latinos or their ancestors emigrated from Latin America. Many Mexican Latinos who lived in the Southwest became US citizens, as a result of war and land sales. Recent immigrations and significant birth increases of the three largest - Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Cuban - created a demographic shift. As a result, the Hispanic classification began appearing on the 1970 US Census to describe both Hispanics and Latinos. Subsequently, many Americans got accustomed to hearing the term when it began appearing on employment applications, school enrollment, and government forms. Years later, in Oct 1997, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) attempted to further clarify the terms Hispanic or Latino. They wrote, "A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture origin, regardless of race." We can conclude that Hispanics and Latinos come from many diverse cultures and backgrounds.

The significance as the largest growing population in America cannot be overstated. As of 2000, according to the US Census Bureau, the Hispanic and Latino population was over 35 million, representing 12.5 percent of US citizens. More significantly, Hispanics and Latinos are expected to contribute 44 percent of US population growth up to the year 2020 and by mid-century represent 96.5 million Americans. As a result, Hispanic and Latino Americans represent the fastest growing market in the US as they seek to correct high unemployment, high school dropouts, and immigration policy.

As we celebrate this year's theme, "Hispanic Americans: Strong and Colorful Threads in the American Fabric," let's not forget the significant contributions of all Hispanics or Latinos to our American way of life. We also want to remember the complex diversity from which they came. Hispanic or Latino - does it matter? Too many - yes, but let the observance be a celebration of the greatness and importance of diverse people.