Hispanic, American Indian or Both?

Question

My mother is a Mapuche Indian (a tribe in Chile) and my father is Hispanic. I'm always confused with how to answer the Ethic Origin background question on forms. I know to check Hispanic - but should I also check American Indian too ? The Mapuche tribe is (according to Wikipedia) "the original Amerinidan" tribe - albeit South American.

Thanks in advance for your advice and opinions.

Answer 1

You can choose either based on what you identify more with. Also, more often than not, disclosing your ethnic origin isn't required. You could choose "Prefer not to answer" or "Other" if you're more comfortable with that.

Answer 2

Is your indian heritage a factor in your life? If it isn't I'd go with Hispanic. However if you practice the Mapuche customs go with the American Indian. But most of all be proud of who you are.

Answer 3

I have Asian and European parents and all I can tell you is that I feel a part of both communities equally. I find it impossible to separate the two so happily claim to be both. I cook both, appreciate both cultures, music etc etc .

Being a mixed race person can be confusing because sometimes because you re not all of one thing. But mostly I see it as a huge advantage in life because it makes me feel i have a foot in both cultures and my life is so much more richer and knowledgeable as a result.

Answer 4

Those question are stupid. Hispanic is not a race. You're not an American Indian because your father is not. You should pick "other", or nothing if there is no "other".

You're Hispanic, for sure, but if they ask what's your RACE, say you're not Hispanic.

Answer 5

Ummm I think no on the American Indian part. It is refering to North American Indian,

Answer 6

Say OTHER. You are a native and hispanic I guess. Or just choose which one pays the most...Native American.

Its really up to you. All three choices: Hispanic, Native, Other; are valid.

Answer 7

Hispanic isn't necessarily a race, since hispanics can be black, white, mixed, etc. If I were you, I'd probably check either Hispanic or Mixed ancestry.

Answer 8

i'm from Spain i presumed we were Caucasians till I arrived to the u . s .. They advised me i'm Hispanic???? for sure I toll them the immigration that they ought to visit the faculty, for sure no longer contained in the u . s . yet in Europe.i left the country after my holidays. by the way why the labelled me this manner.. i'm so white that i seem as if white submit to will in no way go back to a rustic of a lot puzzling.

Answer 9

I think you would be both or mixed. But I think you would have to pick Hispanic. I have to deal with the same thing too. My dad is Dmonican and my mom is Black.

Answer 10

No.

No to "american indian" because you KNOW they mean sioux, cherokee, etc., that kind of american indian, not your kind as you found in a book.
Just use "OTHER" and put down "Mapuche-Hispanic" and blow their minds.