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The Difference between the Terms Latino and Hispanic and How They Overlap
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The Difference between the Terms Latino and Hispanic and How They Overlap

Ultimately, experts say, it's about how you self-identify. Mostly.

Samantha Vincenty
Oprah Daily, 2022
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9

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Recommendation

This Oprah Daily article delivers most of the information you need to avoid embarrassing or possibly offensive references to the ethnicity of people sometimes called Hispanic, Latino or Latina or Latinx, people who are sometimes white, sometimes Black or described in other ways. As writer Samantha Vincenty explains, “It’s complicated.” In the contemporary workplace, where ethnic sensibilities and language about ethnicity can be major issues, you want to avoid inadvertently using offensive language. This article will help anyone – especially managers and senior leaders – avoid errors of ignorance or insensitivity.

Take-Aways

  • For a microcosm of the controversy regarding the terms “Latino” and “Hispanic,” note the public reaction to the Associated Press’s 2020 guidance on usage.
  • “Latino/a/x” addresses ethnicity, culture, language and geography. “Hispanic” addresses language.
  • Census takers often designated Mexican-Americans and Puerto Ricans as white, not Hispanic.

About the Author

Samantha Vincenty is the former senior staff writer at Oprah Daily.

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