The terms Hispanic and Latino are frequently used in the United States to describe people with roots in Latin America and the Caribbean. As we approach National Hispanic American Heritage Month, it’s crucial to understand these terms and the diverse identities they encompass. Often, questions arise about the geographical placement of countries within this vast region. One common question, particularly relevant to our diverse audience, is: Is Mexico In South America?
The short answer is no. Mexico is geographically located in North America. However, the answer is nuanced and delves into the fascinating complexities of cultural and linguistic identity within the Americas. To understand why this question is so common and what it reveals about broader perceptions, let’s unpack the terms Hispanic and Latino, and explore the rich tapestry of Latin American identity.
Deciphering Hispanic and Latino: Language vs. Geography
The terms Hispanic and Latino, while sometimes used interchangeably, actually refer to distinct, yet overlapping, groups of people. Understanding this difference is key to addressing the question of Mexico’s location in relation to South America.
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Hispanic: This term refers to people who have ancestry in countries where Spanish is the primary language. This linguistic connection is rooted in the history of Spanish colonization in the Americas.
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Latino/a/x: This term, in its various forms, encompasses individuals with origins in Latin America, which includes Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The unifying factor here is geographical origin in the Latin American region.
According to these definitions, a person from Brazil, where Portuguese is spoken, is considered Latino but not Hispanic. Conversely, someone from Spain, where Spanish is spoken, is Hispanic but not Latino. Now, where does Mexico fit in? Mexico, having been colonized by Spain and with Spanish as its primary language, falls under both categories. People of Mexican descent can identify as both Hispanic and Latino.
However, identity is rarely simple. As Terry Blas illustrates in his insightful comic essay:
Image depicting a comic strip explaining the difference between Hispanic and Latino. The comic visually represents that “Latino/a/x” relates to geography, while “Hispanic” relates to language.
Blas aptly summarizes, “Latino/a/x tells you about geography, while Hispanic tells you about language.” This distinction helps clarify why the question “Is Mexico in South America?” arises. The term “Latino” connects Mexico to the broader Latin American region, which is often mistakenly equated solely with South America.
Furthermore, it’s important to acknowledge that these terms carry historical and personal weight. Individual preferences are shaped by upbringing, family origin, and personal experiences. Someone of Mayan heritage in Mexico, or a Colombian whose ancestors fought against Spanish colonial rule, might understandably feel conflicted about terms that emphasize a connection to Spain.
It’s also crucial to remember that these definitions are primarily used in the United States. Within Latin America and the Caribbean, diverse and equally complex terms and identities exist.
Navigating Latino, Latina, and Latinx: Gender and Language Evolution
The evolution of language to reflect inclusivity is a continuous process. The terms Latino, Latina, and Latinx exemplify this evolution in the context of gender. Spanish, being a gendered language, traditionally uses masculine (“-o”) and feminine (“-a”) endings for nouns. The masculine form is often used to refer to mixed-gender groups, which can be seen as erasing the feminine.
For instance, “niños” in Spanish refers to a group of children, even if the group includes both boys (“niños”) and girls (“niñas”). This linguistic structure has raised concerns among Spanish-speaking feminists and those advocating for gender neutrality.
The term “Latinx” emerged as a gender-neutral alternative, attempting to move beyond the binary “o” and “a” endings. However, “Latinx” has faced its own set of challenges. The “x” ending is not natural to Spanish phonetics, making it sound awkward to some Spanish speakers. Additionally, some within the Latino community perceive “Latinx” as being imposed by English-speaking academic circles, rather than organically developing within the community itself.
Image depicting a comic strip exploring the term “Latinx” and its implications. The comic delves into the complexities and varying opinions surrounding the use of gender-neutral language in Spanish.
Terry Blas further explores these nuances and proposes “Latine” as another potential gender-neutral alternative. This ongoing discussion reflects the dynamic nature of language and identity.
Choosing the Right Term: Context and Respect
So, which term is best to use? As with many aspects of identity, “it’s complicated!” In academic settings, Latino/a/x has gained traction, but both Hispanic and Latino remain in use. Even within academia, a Hispanic Studies department might focus on Spanish language and literature, while a Latino/a Studies department is more likely to examine the experiences of people of Latin American heritage.
Ultimately, the most appropriate term depends on the specific context, the intended audience, and, most importantly, individual preference. When referring to an individual, it is always best to respect their preferred term of self-identification, if known.
Here are some guiding questions to consider when choosing a term:
- Intended Audience: Is language or geography the primary focus? If language (specifically Spanish-speaking populations) is key, Hispanic might be more fitting. If geographical origin in Latin America and the Caribbean is central, Latino/a/x are likely better choices.
- Individual vs. Group: Are you describing a group or an individual? For individuals, prioritize their stated preference.
- Relevance: Is the term even necessary? Sometimes, more specific language is clearer and more respectful. Instead of “Latino,” specifying “Mexican-American” or “Colombian” can provide richer context.
- Precedent: Are there established norms? For example, “Hispanic” is often used in US government contexts due to its historical use in the Census.
- Gender Inclusivity: When discussing LGBTQ+ communities or gender-related topics, consider using Latinx or Latine to be more inclusive.
- Respectful Communication: Regardless of the term, strive to use language that is inclusive, avoids making assumptions, and respects diverse gender identities.
Language surrounding identity is constantly evolving. The terms we use today may shift in the coming years. Staying informed and being mindful of individual preferences are crucial aspects of respectful communication.
Diverse Perspectives: Voices from the Duke School of Medicine
To illustrate the complexity and personal nature of these preferences, we gathered insights from individuals of Hispanic and Latin American descent within the Duke School of Medicine. Their responses, while not exhaustive, showcase the range of feelings and perspectives on this topic.
Claudia Gonzalez Hunt, PhD, Postdoctoral Associate
Family background: Panamanian, first in immediate family to immigrate to the United States
Preferred term(s): Hispanic or Latina
Reasoning: “Although usage of the term latinx does not upset me in any way, it strikes me as anglicizing a term adopted from a different language. I think it’s better to exclusively use gender-neutral English words (such as Hispanic, or Latin American).”
Danelvis Paredes, MD, Neurology Resident
Family background: Dominican Republic (moved to Puerto Rico at age 3, then to the US)
Preferred term(s): Latino/Latina
Reasoning: “I personally preferred Latina/Latino, which makes me feel more deeply about my real roots. Because Hispanic refers to language, or anyone who has ancestors from Spain, it would include people from Equatorial Guinea, which is in Africa. For this reason, I feel Latina/Latino is more representative of where I come from. Latinx makes no sense to me, and I don’t feel that it represents me. The term is trying to be more inclusive, but it loses the beauty of our culture which includes and distinguishes between females and males through our language.”
Ángel Romero Ruiz, MMC, CNM, Program Coordinator, Duke Population Health Management Office
Family Background: Iberian peninsula (Spain and surrounding regions) and Italy
Preferred term(s): Hispanic. Otherwise, Latina/o/x, depending on gender. Using Latinx exclusively is not inclusive.
Reasoning: “I prefer Hispanic… I have a problem with [Latinx]. First, Latinx is very ugly to my ears, especially in Spanish. I also see it as a form of cultural imperialism, imposed by the English-speaking community, removing gender… I have many coworkers and friends who support the LGBTQ community but really dislike being called Latinx and prefer to be called Latinas or Latinos or hispanos.”
Mara Sanchez, MMedSc, PA-C, Physician Assistant, Duke Center For Metabolic & Weight Loss Surgery; Consulting faculty for the Duke PA program
Family Background: Cuban American, born in the US, to Cuban parents
Preferred term(s): Hispanic, appreciating that it falls under the Latinx/Latina umbrella.
Reasoning: “I grew up hearing the term “Hispanic”, and identified with it because of my heritage/culture, and ancestry as I then understood it referred to people of Spanish descent/ who speak Spanish, and are of Latin origin… In my opinion, I think most Hispanics/Latinx actually identify more often with the country of their ancestry/or where our parents are from.”
Matthew Lacayo, Research Technician, Department of Neurosurgery
Family Background: Colombian (second-generation in the US)
Preferred term(s): No preference
Reasoning: “If I ever do refer to myself as Latino—or any ambiguation of it… it is mostly… in line with Western tropes… If I denote myself as Hispanic, it’s for some inventory/survey… I will note that I have begun to use Latinx more deliberately to invoke the entire Latin-American population and all variations of it, especially since it has been popularly introduced in the academy… I don’t belong to just one category in particular (hence, no preference), yet I strangely feel I live the reality of all of them.”
Maria Moreno, Communications Specialist, Duke Office for Institutional Equity
Family Background: Mexican American, with family roots in Mexico and the US.
Preferred term(s): Mexican American or Chicana, then Latina, and finally Hispanic.
Reasoning: “I am proud of my Mexican American/Chicano heritage, which is why I prefer that identifier. However, I also like Latina because Mexico is part of Latin America and I feel it’s important for Spanish-speakers who hail from Mexico and its neighboring regions to support each other. Finally, I like Hispanic because it acknowledges the Spanish roots, despite the connection with colonization… It’s a complicated and evolving topic.”
These diverse voices highlight that there is no single answer or universally accepted term. Personal identity is multifaceted and deeply felt. Continuing the conversation with openness and respect is crucial for fostering understanding and inclusivity.
In conclusion, while Mexico is not in South America, it is undeniably part of Latin America. This distinction is vital for understanding the nuances of Hispanic and Latino identities. As we engage with these terms, let us prioritize respectful communication, recognizing the evolving nature of language and the deeply personal connections individuals have to their heritage and identity.
