In response to the ongoing debate about the name that should be used to identify Latinos/Hispanics, an article titled "Hispanic covers more than Latino," written by syndicated columnist Roger Hernandez, appeared in the Opinion section of the El Paso Times last June. Mr. Hernandez states that "� what a Black Cuban, a Uruguayan Jew, a Peruvian mestizo and a mulato Puerto Rican from the Bronx have in common is the heritage of language culture that came from Spain. That makes them�makes us�all Hispanic. The term refers to culture and language, not having ancestors from Spain�(the usage) may not be politically correct, but it is correct�historically accurate and more precise than Latino�when referring to Spanish speakers, whether in Spain or on our side of the Atlantic."

Mr. Hernandez also refers to the European etymological roots of the name "Latino" in "Latin America, and the imposition of the name by the Portuguese, Spanish and French colonizers, then he comments, "� because �Latino� is rooted in Europe every bit as much as �Hispanic,� it does not accomplish the goal of rejecting the Europeanization of Latin America. In fact, it cannot be done." Mr. Hernandez also states in his article that "politically correct liberals" claim that "�. �Hispanic� stems from �Spain,� a nation seen as the unforgivably European destroyer of pre-Columbian civilizations."

On the other hand, those favoring the term "Latino" argue that the term "Hispanic" does not "stem from," but is, in fact, Espana (Hispania), an Anglicized and Latinized form of the Castilian name for Spain. This nomenclature is limited and circumscribed only to the language, culture and idiosyncrasies of the "Hispanic"�and is a term being promoted by the Euro-centric/European "Hispanics." There is no acknowledgment in this term for any contribution made to the culture by the conquered. This term is analogous to calling the vast former colonies of England (Jamaica, India, Trinidad) "British"�a term resented and rejected by members of the former British colonies. Furthermore, the word mulato, italicized by Mr. Hernandez, means "mule," and is a pejorative "Hispanic" term also rejected by "politically correct liberals."

Those approving of the "Latino" term assert that it derives from "Latin America" and that indeed covers more than Hispanic. Etymologically and historically this word, by itself, derives from the "Latin" tongue, the Roman Empire and its derivative European languages. However, the terminology "Latin American" comprises and represents an amalgamation of cultures, languages, geography, races, history, and a very definite political reality. Although the name derives from the European colonizers, it has taken a life of its own, far and apart from the Euro-Hispanic reality, they say.

When we say "Latin American," it "covers" the indigenous tribes of North, Central and South America and the peoples of African, European and Asian descent. It "covers" Brazil, with millions of peoples of mixed ancestry; and Haiti, a country very intimately connected to the Spanish speaking Dominican Republic�for they share the same island and much of their history. And of course, "Latino" refers to "Latin America" and its descendants in the United States. German Arciniegas, the Colombian literary figure in the introduction to his book, "The Continent of Seven Colors," says, "In the United States newspapers have a growing habit of simply calling �Latinos� the inhabitants of �Latin America.� When some information appearing in the New York Times says that Washington is preparing a plan to aid the Latinos, it is known that they are not talking about Italy or France or Portugal or Spain, but about the Republics South of the Border." Such is the case when most people speak of "Latinos" today, they refer to those people whose culture is rooted in Latin America.

Other critics have pointed out that either name, "Hispanic" or "Latino," is inappropriate, and that both fall short of describing adequately the people of cultures stemming from South of the Rio Grande, because of their European origins. But, here is a suggestion. The term "African American" originated by adding the word "American" to African. Thus, it has placed peoples of African descent in the context of a new continent with a symbiosis of culture, race, ethnicity and languages. Likewise, by attaching "American" to the "Latino" or "Hispanic" names, it would serve the same purpose. Hence, if we instead of "Latinos" or "Hispanics" would call ourselves "Latino Americans" or "Hispanic Americans," it would place us geographically and culturally outside of Europe.

Although millions of Indigenous people in "Latin America" do not speak Spanish, a great majority of Afro and Indo Latinos do speak it, have Spanish ancestry, and have inherited some of the culture of Spain; however, many of them do not perceive themselves as "Hispanics." In fact, you rarely hear anyone South of the border calling themselves "Hispano" or "Hispano-Americano;" they prefer the term "Latino Americano." Many feel that by identifying themselves as "Hispanic" they connect themselves "only" to Spain. Contrary to what Mr. Hernandez infers, Italian, Jewish or Arab Argentineans or Uruguayans do not call themselves "Hispanos," because they are not. But they accept the "Latino American" nomenclature because of its geographical, cultural and political implications.

As "Latino Americans," they are the produce of a New World�geo-politically, culturally, racially and spiritually unique�which also includes the contributions of Spain, Africa, Native Americans, Italy, Asia, the Arab countries, etc. A "Latino American" is a symbiosis of many cultural streams, and although not the best terminology to describe us, many of us feel that it is more appropriate, politically and historically convenient�and not as racist or Euro-centric as the term "Hispanic." However, to those who prefer the Hispanic nomenclature, the term "Hispanic American" is better suited to place them within the context of the New World. Moreover, since either name may not completely fulfill our expectation, as we evolve as a people and get to know more of our true identity, all these names will be replaced by others more accurate and true to ourselves.