What's in a Name? Lots, When It's 'Hispanic' Vs. 'Latino'

Recently, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced a small change in how it categorizes people in annual surveys. For the last 40 years, the EEOC document has provided one box for. . . um, Portuguese/Spanish/Pan-Latin Americans to check. That box was called "Hispanic." But that box is no more. Instead,...

By Frank Houston

October 12, 2007

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Recently, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced a small change in how it categorizes people in annual surveys. For the last 40 years, the EEOC document has provided one box for. . . um, Portuguese/Spanish/Pan-Latin Americans to check. That box was called "Hispanic."

But that box is no more. Instead, those who fit the bill are encouraged to check a box marked, "Hispanic or Latino."

What's in a name? Apparently, a majority of Spanish speakers favors the term "Hispanic." But according to a survey used by the EEOC, those who favor the term "Latino" find "Hispanic" -- which alludes to Spain -- offensive.

What do you think? --Isaiah Thompson

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