After reading "Cuando era Puertoriquena", I knew I needed a follow up post for the philosophical aftermath that followed (in my head). As part of my goal to read 50 books, I needed all the recommendations I could get! and I mentioned that was one of them. One of the ones, I would have never selected. It is like the time I read the one about the gums and teeth. Yeah. But, let's be honest, since it was not my pick I was going to go out on a limb and buy it. No. This would be a library rental. Ha.
Lucky me, I found a copy in Spanish. Two bird with one stone type of thing 1) I practiced my Spanish 2) I'd figure the book would have more depth if it was not translated. You know how things can get lost in translation? Well, I bought into the concept.
I was hooked from the time I read the prologue. Who reads the prologue you may ask. Well, I don't!!! I honestly always skip it. It is an efficiency thing for me but something must have caught my eye that made me start there and I am so glad I did. The prologue discussed the very same thing I have questioned before, the difference between "Latino" and "Hispanic". Was it like condo and apartment? Turtle and tortoise? Similar to the author, I have no idea what they mean, and while I have marked them on multiple surveys, I am not convinced they really define me, identify me, or anyone clearly.
So, I looked them up. Hispanis is "relating to Spain or to Spanish-speaking countries, especially those of Latin America." Latino/a is "a person of Latin American origin or descent." Clear as mud is what I say. It left more questions than it provided answers. Questions such as...What if you speak Spanish, but don't follow any of the customs? What if it is your parents and not you that speak Spanish and/or are born in Latin America? If that was not confusing enough, what if you are both? Can you be both? Can you be one for the Census, but another demographically. Most importantly, does it truly describe you? does it matter?
I grew up in Latin America so long ago, I can hardly call myself Latin American. I speak Castilian but English is my main language. Which am I? Luckily, I know I am me :) no label, just me. How about you?
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