BellaOnline Forums Travel and Culture Hispanic Culture Hispanic or Latina/Latino -- which do you prefer?

Thanks everyone for participating in the forum (as reader and/or poster)!

Just thought I would chime in with my preferences. I use the term Latina/Latino, generally. But, I will use "Hispanic" in certain contexts.

I identify as a Chicana -- a US born Mexican American.

Keep checking back for more articles on identity.

Meanwhile, visit the site's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/HispanicCultureAtBellaOnlinecom

What is a chicano/a, then, as opposed to a latino/a?

Hi Jill!
Thanks for your question.

I'll be writing about this topic very soon! In a nutshell, a Chicano or Chicana is a Mexican-American, usually born in the US.

Since we were raised in the US, we have different experiences than Mexican Nationals, particularly in terms of Spanish language aptitude, discrimination, and poverty.

We are Latinos and/or Hispanics -- depending on how each individual relates to the categories.

Saludos!
carleen

So it's kind of like this for a mexican-american?

Hispanic-->Latino-->Chicano

Hi Jill!

Yes, I think in a way that works.