Does A Latino Identity Really Exist?
On the surface most people would agree that a Latino identity definitely does exist and it is probably pretty easy for a second or third generation Cuban American or Dominican American to claim that their real identity is in fact Latino. However when you look a little deeper, having a Latino identity seems a little more complex.
Sense of community
In the past, in order to have an identity it is widely taken that people also needed a sense of community, a sense of where they have come from. A Mexican, a Cuban, a Puerto Rican all have a direct sense of where they originate from. Therefore, when people have a community or a locale, it is easy to tie your identity into those roots. However when you look at the term “Latino” it isn’t a place name, there is no zip code for Latino, no country, no city, no town, or village. It simply doesn’t exist.
The Latino label
In the past, many famous philosophers have spoken about identity. One in particular (Immanuel Kant) said that each and every person on this earth has a single and unique identity that lasts from birth right through to death. This thought of having one true unique identity that you cannot change resonated with a lot of people. From this standpoint a Cuban American or Dominican American might have a real problem with being called Latino. The reason for this is that the term “Latino” along with the word “Hispanic” was adopted by the Nixon regime back in the early 70′s. The terms loosely referred to all Spanish-speaking people across the whole of Latin America. So whether you were Argentinian, Mexican, Cuban, or Nicaraguan you were classed as Hispanic or Latino. The issue is that each country or group viewed itself totally different from another country or group and rightly so.
A better perspective on identity
The thought of identity only ever becomes a problem if we continue to think of this in a rigid way. If you change perspective and differentiate between our uniqueness as a person and our identity, then it is easier to get over that hurdle. In a way our uniqueness is the cornerstone that makes up …well …us . However just as easily as or uniqueness is rigid, our identity can be fluid. We can have a variety of identities, whether that be a father to your children, a boss in your workplace, or a husband to your wife, these are all different identities. So in this respect one might suggest that a Latino identity is only one aspect of what that person really is.
Americano’s
A much better way of describing a Latino might be by using the term ‘Americano’. This phrase tends to symbolize more of the cultural diversity, that America has now become, and since this is where over 50 million Spanish speakers now live, then the term ‘Americano’ is certainly more apt.
In essence a Latino identity can be as confusing as it is deep. It is probably true to say that fourth and fifth generation Hispanics prefer to call themselves “Anglo Americans” and have in a sense become de-ethnicized. This brings it back to the initial question of does a Latino identity really exists? One might suggest that this really isn’t as ‘cut and dried’ an answer as first thought and requires careful consideration.
What exactly defines a latino or hispanic person to you?
What’s the first thing that comes to mind? What features and what countries do you first think of? What kind of personality and demeanor would you assume he or she presents?
Please be honest. No universal “they come in all kinds”, I’m asking for your first, honest thought that comes to mind. Hispanics/latinos feel free to add your input of what you think others assume or see you as and why.
Doral Apartments – The Secrets to Avoiding the Loss of Rent Deposit
Prospective tenants of Doral apartments should also be able to distinguish the difference between a security deposit and an administrative or processing fee. Florida statute provides that the landlord should return of security deposits of tenants within 15 days after vacating the leased units. On the other hand, administrative or processing fees in general are not refundable under Florida statutes. If a tenant wants to terminate a lease on some Doral apartments before contract expiry, it is ideal that he or she meets personally with the landlord. Both parties can discuss if the security deposit could be used by the tenant to cover his or her total financial obligation under the lease contract. If this is feasible, an agreement has to be signed by both parties.