DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHICANO, LATINO, AND HISPANIC

Why is it important to know the difference of Chicano, Hispanic and Latino?

Recently, scholars have noted that Latinos in the United States, or who were born and raised US, have attached great importance to their self-identity, which they think is something that is worth bragging the whole group. But when the word “Chicano” first appeared, it was thought negative and insulted, but with time passing by, this group was finally accepted.

Who are they?

"Chicano" refers specifically to Mexican Americans, or anyone else of Mexican heritage. There is suggested that when Mexican workers and their families first moved to the US, they were often referred to as "Mexicanos," which became shortened over time to "Xicanos" or “Chicanos".

It should only be used to describe those of Mexican descent, not those of Central or South American descent.

"Hispanic" is much broader than "Chicano." Historically, areas conquered by the Spaniards were considered part of a region originally called Hispania. Modern countries which can trace their history to Spain are now considered to be Hispanic, including Mexico, Central America, and most of South America where Spanish is the primary language.

‘’Latino" is very close in meaning to Hispanic, but it also includes other countries such as Brazil. The regional description "Latin America" now refers to the countries where Romance languages (Spanish, Portuguese) are spoken, but was originally used by Napoleon to describe other Romance speaking (French included) territories throughout the Americas.

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