The article “That is What They Call Us” covers the ongoing debate surrounding the labels and classifications given to Spanish-speaking immigrants in the US. The author argues that the terms “Hispanic,” “Latino,” and “Latinx” are confusing and carry different cultural, political, and historical connotations that are not necessarily reflective of the diverse experiences and identities of Spanish-speaking people (Oboler, 1998). The debate over labels and classifications given to Spanish-speaking immigrants in the US reflects the more considerable tensions and complexities surrounding these individuals.
The US government first used the term “Hispanic” in the 1970s to refer to Spanish-speaking immigrants. The term was intended to capture these individuals’ Spanish heritage and cultural ties and was seen to unify a growing and politically influential demographic (Oboler, 1998). However, the term was criticized for erasing many Spanish-speaking people’s indigenous and Afro-Latino roots and emphasizing their connection to Spain over their other cultural and ethnic identities.
The term “Latino” has also been criticized. It is often used interchangeably with “Hispanic,” but it has roots in Latin America, a much larger and more diverse region. People argue that “Latino” is more inclusive and captures the diversity of Spanish-speaking immigrants and their descendants (Oboler, 1998). The term “Latinx” is a more recent addition to the debate, intended to be gender-neutral and inclusive (Oboler, 1998). Each label has its own pros and cons that should be considered.
The advantages are connected to the opportunities for building a specific national identity while retaining the unique characteristics of one’s own cultural background. Specifically, the terms such as “Latino/Latina” bear the meaning associated with one’s geographic location and the related customs and philosophy, allowing one to reconnect with one’s community. However, the term may also alienate some people of a similar cultural background. In turn, the term ‘Hispanic” is linked to the language spoken by an individual or within a specific community (Oboler, 1998). The described distinction allows outlining the nuances of one’s background, helping one to integrate within a community. However, it does not provide an opportunity to retain a connection to one’s cultural legacy.
Conclusively, I agree with the author’s arguments and believe that the labels and classifications given to Spanish-speaking immigrants in the US are confusing and carry different cultural, political, and historical connotations. The debate over these labels highlights the complexities and tensions surrounding Spanish-speaking immigrants and their experiences in the United States.
Reference
Oboler, S. (1998). Hispanics? That’s what they call us. The Latino/a condition: A critical reader.