Why do you speak of the "Latinos" or Hispanics" as if they were a race?

Question

Hispanics or Latinos don't exist as a race.
In Central and in South America we have also multi ethnic countries (because you always speak of Central and South Americans as if we all had brown skin).
We have people of African, European and Asian origin (not to mention the Amerindians).
Please take a look in a book of Geography and you will see that in countries like Argentina or Brazil there are also whites (nearly 50% of the population of Brazil is white and nearly 85% of the population of Argentina is white).
I don't want to say that whites are better than any other race, but I want to inform you that there are also whites in the South. Let me also remind you that French is also a language which derives from Latin. Then all the people in Quebec who speak french should be called Latinos too?
I wish you a good luck and a sweet dreams.
Sorry for my bad English (it is not the only language I speak - English, Spanish, German, Portuguese and Russian).
Also gute Nacht (in German)

Answer to Jennifer S.: Yes, it also happens in other countries of the world. In Germany for example many (but not all) think that Germany should adapt herself to them.
They dont speak German and they think that they can do what they want. It also happened here in Argentina (but people here are more tolerant with immigrants).
There are always people who want to work and adapt themselves to the country they chose to live and people who are ignorant and primitive.

Answer to Derek W.: thanks for your kind answer. I wasnt getting nervous. I only read in some chats that people always talked about Hispanics or Latinos to be brown and so on. I only wanted to inform some people how is the reality here in the South. Thanks!

Answer to Dal: Thanks for the explanation.

Answer to Janmarbol: I agree with you.
Thanks for your opinion.

Answer 1

Read what DAR said here because he is so very right. I know that Mexican is not a "race." American is not a race, and neither is Canadian a race. Those labels are what are called a "nationality." We have all colours in the USA, Canada, Mexico and many other countries of the world. In the European countries, there are all colours (races) of people, too. People do get very confused about this issue: American, Mexican, Canadian - are not races. These are nationalities. Amongst those nationalities can be all different cultures, races, languages and colours of skin.

Something I have noticed in this forum is that when illegal Mexican immigrants get upset with those who say they are against illegal immigration, they often pull the "race card" and say Americans are against them because they are brown. This always blows me away, because I know that Mexicans are NOT only brown, just like Americans are not only white, and Canadians are not only white. So, it makes me feel that white Americans are being reversely discriminated against by the people who say this here, on this forum.

I don't understand why, when Americans (or Canadians) say they are against illegaI imimigrants, Mexicans say we are "racist." You know, I am not even thinking of a colour of skin when I say that I don't want illegal immigrants in the USA or Canada. I am thinking of ALL illegal immigrants from China, India, France, England, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Africa, etc., etc. I know and so do other citizens know, that our illegal immigrants come from all over the world. Many of them come as legitimate "visitors" who let their visas expire and just stay. Not ALL of the illegal immigrants come from Mexico, running over the border on foot or via coyotes. As well, we know that many of our illegal immigrants also come from Central American countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvadore, Nicaragua, and South America, as well. I think we, the people of the USA (and Canada) say we don't want immigrants of any nationality to cross our borders illegally, and I think we are very much within our rights to say so. It is a matter of national security and integrity and we have the right to protect ourselves and our borders.

Answer 2

We understand that there are white, black, and all races all over the globe. When white Americans think of Central and South America, we don't think Indian or Mexican, we think Latino, that is, descended from Spanish (Roman) and Indian. While we do say Latino, there is DEFINATELY no disrepect in the moniker. Much as when we hear Gringo, we just shrug and know we're being spoken of, who cares? And people from Quebec are Québecquois. While they're not real French, they speak a similar language and yes, it too is a Romance Language. I think you should relax : ))

Answer 3

It is because Spanish is the dominant language for one.
Second, it is just a convention that is readily recognizable.
It doesn't have to be a perfect description of each person in a country and the French or French Canadians are never confused with Hispanics.

Answer 4

We adopt the terms people adopt for themselves in this country. We are just trying to be polite.

You mustn't get too hung up on race, though. If you stay on here long you will be told that "Mexican" is a race, and that "American" is a different race. Mostly, you will find out, the "American" race is racist against the "Mexican" race.

Multi-colors within both nationalities do not earn points in the debate.

Gute Nacht.

Answer 5

THANK YOU. I raise this point all the time with my Hispaniic friends. I think they are confused by all the census stuff and jon apps. the ask you are you "white (and not hispanic)" or Black (not hispanic) or
"Hispanic"

argentina is mostly white because of the climate just like most other places where there are white people. The same in south africa. it is the furthest away form the equator and thus more temerate.

Answer 6

Ignorance of course. In the last public pol I have to decide to choose between being a white or being a Latin-American. This discrimination is regularly shown in federal and states forms. If we are all Americans why is so important to identify your race.

Answer 7

You are a very special person for being able to speak several languages. You should try for a job in the gov't, if you pass! The whole point is the fact of what country that people seem to think that they can invade and get away with it. I don't go to Italy and expect them to speak English!!!!!!!!!! I should learn their language right!!!!!!!!!! How would you feel if people came to your homeland and expected YOU to understand them??!! And then try to change the laws to help you instead of the same people that were trying to help you??!!!!!!!

Answer 8

BECAUSE there are people in Latin America, particularly Mexico who insist that they are, as descendants of the people we refer to as Aztecs...and some of their ideas are a bit frightening

Answer 9

argentineans are mostly european descent and that is because of the migration during european wars... and it's not race but ethnicity and still that is wrong, that is why I never answer that stupid question on job applications... I agree with you...

Answer 10

extremely tough issue look into with search engines like google that will could help