The <i> Hispanic/Latino </i> Debate: The Language Is Still Searching for a Term That Satisfies Everyone

The word Latino in Spanish means Latin. Latins were a people who lived on the outskirts of Rome in ancient times. They eventually came to dominate Rome and as a result spread their language and culture throughout the empire. This is why a Latino is a Spaniard, a Portuguese, an Italian, a French person, a Romanian and, if you wish, a Latin American.

How does the word Latino say you have Indian blood or black blood in you? It denies it as much as the word Hispanic does!

As for myself, you can classify me as a Mexican, or Chicano, but call me a Latino only if you are referring to all Latins.

ROBERT SALDIVAR

Pacoima