Assimilation of Latinos

Bravo Linda Chavez! Her article articulates what should have been articulated long ago: media insistence on using the term “Mexican-American” when referring to people of Mexican descent born in the United States.

A true Mexican-American is one who is born in Mexico, which is geographically part of the Americas. When running for President, John Kennedy was considered an American of Irish descent not an “Irish-American.” Perhaps it is time to stop referring to those Americans of Mexican heritage as Mexican-Americans. Immigrants came to the U.S. not to just seek a better life but to become Americans. Continuing to make Spanish-speaking people appear different implies they are somehow less American than other ethnic groups.

“Minority” is another popular phrase. Anyone calling me a minority has a debate on his hands. I am an American--of Mexican descent--just like any other American born in this country. It is neither accurate nor fair to be labeled a Mexican-American or minority if one is not.

One would think the media would be more sensitive to the feelings of its readers. Times may have changed but that does not necessarily mean The Times has. It is time you caught up with the changes Chavez advocates.

FRED H. CORDOVA, Newport Beach