In The Community
On March 28, 2024, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) added a new standard for race and ethnicity data collection in the U.S. Census, approved by the Biden administration. Now, a separate checkbox exists for “Hispanic or Latino” alongside all other racial categories. This change has been celebrated by many in the Latino community, and it reflects a significant shift in how the U.S. Census gathers data about this section of the population.
It’s also a significant step toward a more accurate understanding of the Latino population, which has been growing consistently for decades. Before this change, the U.S. Census collected data on Hispanic origin without accounting for race, which meant Latinos were undercounted because many identify with their Hispanic ethnicity and their race, not just one or the other. This is further complicated by the fact that both Hispanic and Latino aren’t races, but many who don’t identify with white, Black, or other racial categories are left in limbo and often choose Hispanic or Latino as their race.
In 2023, a survey conducted by OnePoll involving 1,250 adults reflected that fact. Out of 1,250 people surveyed, 250 identified as U.S. Hispanics/Latinos. The addition of the new U.S. Census category acknowledges this dual identity and is intended to help create a more precise understanding of the demographic.
The Potential for Black and Afro Erasure
While many Latinos are behind this new standard as a step toward more inclusivity, many others bring up the point that this new approach could complicate how Afro-Latinos identify themselves in the U.S. Census, essentially erasing Afro-Latinos from the overall picture. The argument is that including “Hispanic/Latino” as a category alongside “Black” implicitly positions blackness as separate from Latino identity, suggesting that the Black category is something exclusive to non-Latinos.
Another issue identified by critics is that the OMB’s definition of who can select “Black” is narrow and limited to people with African origins, explicitly excluding people from Black Latin American nations, like the Dominican Republic and Cuba, and also excluding Afro-Latinos from all over Latin America, including Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
It may seem like a small detail, but looking at the bigger picture, population statistics need to be accurate if they’re expected to reveal patterns and information about racial exclusion. Without that accuracy, systemic racism becomes more obscure and it makes racial equity more challenging to achieve. While the new OBM standard is a step in the right direction, inclusivity remains a work in progress.
“Hispanic” or “Latino:” What’s the Difference?
To understand why the addition of a “Hispanic or Latino” checkbox in the U.S. Census is so important to many, we have to consider the background. The United States boasts a vibrant and varied cultural mosaic, with many ethnicities and nationalities coming together to form a diverse America. When talking about Latin American roots, “Hispanic” and “Latino” are the main terms, but what’s the difference between them? And how well do Americans understand these terms?
The 2023 survey conducted by OnePoll revealed some surprising statistics about our understanding of these two terms. According to the survey, a bit more than four in ten respondents (41%) correctly identified the difference between the terms:
- Hispanic refers to individuals from countries that primarily speak Spanish and is considered an ethnicity.
- Latino relates to people with origins from Latin America - which includes Mexico, South and Central America, and the Caribbean, and is also considered an ethnicity.
- Neither of these terms refers to race, which is a completely separate categorization based on shared physical characteristics rather than shared cultural characteristics, which includes language, as noted above.
However, an equal percentage (41%) believed the exact opposite, while 11% were candid enough to admit they didn’t know the difference at all.
Hispanic and Latino are terms that describe different aspects of heritage and geography. "Hispanic" refers to people who come from Spanish-speaking countries, which could be from both outside and within Latin America. This includes countries like Spain, Mexico, and most of Central and South America where Spanish is the primary language. On the other hand, "Latino" refers to individuals originating from Latin America, regardless of the language spoken. This encompasses countries like Brazil (where they speak Portuguese) and various parts of Latin America where native pre-colonial languages are still spoken and it excludes Spain. So, while a person from Spain would be Hispanic but not Latino, a Brazilian would be Latino but not Hispanic.
Celebrating and Understanding “Hispanic Heritage”
The OnePoll survey touched on another important subject: Hispanic Heritage Month. A whopping 66% of participants said they celebrate this cultural observance. An even larger percentage, 85%, believed it's pivotal for society to delve into Hispanic heritage. However, there's a thirst for knowledge too. Around 81% expressed a desire to learn more about Hispanic/Latino culture, and 84% felt they should have been exposed to other cultures more during their childhood.
Shifting the lens to the Hispanic and Latino participants of the survey, some illuminating insights emerged. Over half (52%) felt that their non-Hispanic/non-Latino peers comprehended their culture “very well.” On the brighter side, 74% believed that their Hispanic/Latino culture received fair representation in mainstream society.
In the professional sphere, the respondents tended to work with other Latinos with 44% of respondents reporting that their workplaces were predominantly Hispanic/Latino, and 43% observing that individuals from their community filled most of the management or executive positions.
While strides are being made in understanding and appreciating the intricate differences and nuances within the Hispanic and Latino communities, there's more ground to cover. As America becomes even more diverse, and the Latino community stands as the second-largest racial group in the U.S., understanding these subtleties and acknowledging the diversity within the Latino community, which unequivocally includes Afro-Latinos, isn't just important; it's essential.
- Labels 101: Hispanic, Latino, Latinx, and More ›
- “No Sabo” is a Slur, Fight Me On It ›
- What's in a Name? Hispanic, Latino, and More Explained ›
Living in the United States as a Latina woman comes with its own set of experiences, challenges, and joys. From navigating cultural differences to embracing our heritage, Latina women living in the U.S. share a unique perspective. Here are 10 things that unite us:
The struggle with our dual identity
Balancing between two cultures can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. Dual identity feels like straddling our heritage and American upbringing, trying to honor both without losing our authentic selves. Connecting with other Latinos having the same experience can be very grounding!
The art of code-switching
Switching between languages and cultural norms depending on the situation is second nature for many Latina women in the U.S. Whether it's speaking Spanish at home and English at work or adjusting behavior to fit different social contexts, code-switching is a skill we have mastered out of necessity.
The certainty that family is everything
Family comes first, always. Latina women foster strong family ties and prioritize spending time with loved ones, even if they don’t always get along. From large gatherings filled with laughter and food to relying on family for support during tough times, family is the cornerstone of Latinos’ lives.
Never skip celebrating traditions
Whether it's observing cultural holidays like Día de los Muertos or embracing traditions passed down through generations, Latina women take pride in their heritage and celebrate it without reservation. From music and dance to food and customs, traditions keep them connected to their roots and it’s a great way to find community in a foreign land.
The weight of doing well
Latina women often feel the weight of expectations placed on them by their families and communities. Not to mention society! The pressure of proving ourselves in a place that may underestimate us is something that has become part of our reality. That said, it’s okay to just be. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone but yourself.
The struggle with beauty standards
Dealing with societal standards of beauty can be particularly challenging for Latina women, as we often face unrealistic expectations regarding body shape and size. That said, celebrating diverse beauty standards is more prominent than ever and it becomes very empowering in a culture that promotes such narrow ideals.
Navigating machismo in everyday life
Photo by Paul Lowry on Wikimedia Commons
Latina women frequently encounter machismo, that nasty cultural attitude that upholds traditional gender roles and emphasizes male dominance. From subtle sexism to overt discrimination, Latinas have become experts in navigating these dynamics, which adds to our self-assurance and empowerment.
Understanding the importance of faith
While not all Latinas are religious, we all have some spirituality within us. For some, religion plays a major role in providing strength, guidance, and a sense of belonging. For others, practicing spirituality in the form of meditation or any other practice is a great way to stay grounded and be more aligned in our daily lives.
Juggling bicultural cuisine
The kitchen is where cultural fusion truly shines for Latina women in the U.S. From abuela's recipes passed down through generations to adding a spicy twist to classic American dishes, our bicultural takes on dishes make life quite fun. Especially for our gringo friends, who often enjoy our vibrant and flavorful interpretations.
The beauty of embracing diversity
Latina women in the U.S. come from diverse backgrounds, representing a variety of countries, ethnicities, and experiences. Despite these differences, there's a sense of solidarity and sisterhood that transcends borders and unites us in this journey.
- You Grew up Latino if You Recognize These 20 Things ›
- Not All Latinos Speak Spanish – And They Don’t Need To ›
- We Fit No Mold: Latinidad in America ›
- 5 Latina Life Coaches to Follow for Daily Inspiration ›
Colombian actress Sofía Vergara has had the spotlight on her recently due to the success of Netflix's latest true crime series "Griselda,” where she plays the titular role of Griselda Blanco. The series was the top show on the Netflix Global Top 10 list for three consecutive weeks since its debut.
This marks a big accomplishment for Vergara because it’s the first role she plays outside the realm of comedy after working on the sitcom “Modern Family” for over 10 years, which catapulted her to fame. It also made her one of the highest-paid actresses in the industry, so she’s had a very successful career so far.
However, she recently stirred up some controversy with some comments she made about her Spanish accent and how she feels it limited her career. Her comments, however, reflect a bigger issue–the belief that having an accent somehow means you’re occupying a lesser societal status.
Racism and the belief that if you’re in the United States, you should speak English at all times has fueled the idea that if you speak with a Spanish-language accent, you are less educated, less capable, less intelligent, and less skilled.
This harmful stereotype has been bolstered by the media and society at large so relentlessly that many bilingual Spanish/English speakers buy into it without even realizing it. It’s also important to note that not all accents are discriminated against - this harmful stereotype doesn’t rear its ugly head in media when it comes to accents deemed respectable like a British, French, or Italian accent.
Sofía Vergara’s Comments on Her Bilingual Spanish/English Accent
Back in January, Sofía Vergara went viral for clapping back at Spanish interviewer Pablo Motos on the show “El Hormiguero” for seemingly criticizing her English pronunciation. They were talking about “Modern Family” when Motos interrupted Vergara asking her: “How do you say ‘Modern Family’?”
Vergara responded by saying, “Do I say it wrong? Because you speak better English than me?” Motos said “Yes,” prompting Vergara’s clap back, “How many Emmy nominations do you have in the United States? How many times have they nominated you for a Golden Globe?”
The clip spread all over the internet with most people praising Vergara’s quick wit and her shut-down of Motos’ seemingly obnoxious behavior. A little over a week after that, the “Los Angeles Times” released an interview with Vergara, where she discussed “Griselda” and the barriers she has found due to her accent.
She said, “I’m always looking for characters because there’s not much that I can play with this stupid accent. I can’t play a scientist or be in ‘Schindler’s List.’ My acting jobs are kind of limited.” Vergara added later in the interview, “Eva Longoria doesn’t have an accent. Jennifer Lopez doesn’t have an accent. Jessica Alba doesn’t have an accent. Is it frustrating? Of course. In the beginning, more than now, and the frustration was towards me. How come I can’t f— get this right? I’ve been here for 30 years. How dumb can I be?”
While it’s important to understand where Vergara is coming from, it’s even more important to point out the false premise she has seemingly bought into. The fact is that having an accent doesn’t signal being less intelligent or less talented. That she hasn’t been able to play more serious roles has nothing to do with her accent or the reality of how many actual scientists, humanitarians, and thought leaders have Spanish/English accents but rather an indictment of the pervasive bias and racism that continues to exist in Hollywood and mainstream media.
Accent or Not, Hollywood Doesn’t Reflect Reality
The false premise that having an accent somehow makes you less worthy of being taken seriously or achieving success is something the Latino/Spanish-dominant community has been dealing with for ages. Why has someone like Sofía Vergara bought into it as well? First of all, because it’s heavily sustained in her industry. Hollywood’s systemic racism is notorious and it perpetuates harmful stereotypes of Latino identity, linking Spanish-dominant Latinos and their accents or way of speech to unserious roles, uneducated characters, criminal behavior, and more.
Second of all, this false premise is sustained by society at large, particularly in the United States. Linguistic discrimination, which is illegal, is a major issue for non-native English speakers simply because they don’t speak in a way that’s considered “standard.” While it’s true that this leads to discrimination, which can limit opportunities for Latinos and other English as a second language speakers, rising above it is possible.
To overcome this harmful belief, it’s important to note that there is an abundance of research that confirms that people who speak two languages have elevated cognitive functions. The media and some in American society would like bilingual Spanish/English speakers to believe that they can’t be successful in law, health, tech, space, business, or whatever industry if perfect English isn’t spoken. Very real systemic barriers exist for those without perfect English. Data confirms this, but it certainly doesn’t help when someone like Vergara underscores that if not for her “stupid accent” she’d be an even bigger star. Instead, the frustration should be directed at why Hollywood doesn’t think a scientist can speak with a Spanish accent.