Read Finding a Name that Fits by Kendra Hamilton and answer these 5 questions.
1. What do the terms "Hispanic" and "Latino" denote and connote for those interviewed in this article? What are the sources of those meanings? Why is the distinction important?
2. What is the history of the term "Hispanic"? Why is Latin America called "Latin America"? (Remember that Portuguese, not Spanish, is the main language of Brazil.) In what ways do the labels "Hispanic" and "Latino" reflect and create a linguistic division from a colonial past?
3. Consider two other minority groups in the U.S.—African Americans and Asian Americans. What are some terms of self-reference that have been used by members of these groups? What might account for variations in these naming practices?
4. An Asian American students’ association posted a sign entitled "The Ten Things Asian Americans Hate Most." Number 1 on the list was "The hyphen." Why all the fuss about a hyphen?
5. Outsiders who do not wish to offend ethic groups (and even more so those who wish to demonstrate support or solidarity), often find it difficult to choose terms. Why? How might outsiders decide which term or terms to use or not to use?