Kerry, Latino is a broad term that encompasses many striations of our culture...we could be: Cuban, Puerto Rican, Mexican, Colombian, Venezuelan, Spanish, etc...you get the point.
There are many subtle and not-so-subtle differences between each of our respective cultures...I believe that there is a difference between the terms Chicano, Latino and Hispanic...I suppose I would most identify with the term Chicano which really derives from the word Xicano...which, in turn derives from the term, Mexica (pronounced "Meshica")from some of the indigenous Indians that lived in Mexico (which is where Mexico got its name eventually).
Personally I am okay with the term Mexican....but I live in South Texas and so there are a lot of down here...However, I would not want to be called Cuban or Puerto Rican...or anything else if that is not my heritage...YES, we are all Hispanic....but to call a Cuban a Mexican and vice versa is faux pas.
Stick with Hispanic----personally, Hispanic refers to a heritage whereas the term "Latino" implies any 'Latin', i.e. Romance based, language so you would have to throw in the Italian, French and Portuguese. Not so sure they would want to be considered "Latino"....
Jinkies! Bet you didn't think you would get this answer!
Okay enough! I'll step off the soapbox...
xox Vali
Aug '06: H moved out July '08: H had a kid with the OW May 12 '09: emancipation day
"Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." -Ferris Bueller
