The Hispanic heritage of the United States is deeply woven into American society. It is the second-fastest-growing ethnic group after Asians, and is projected to reach a record 62.1 million by the year 2020. Today, Hispanics represent 18.7% of the U.S. population. This month, celebrate your Hispanic heritage by donating to Hispanic charities and eating food from Hispanic countries. Remember to honor Hispanic leaders throughout history.
While Hispanic Americans are a large and growing minority, they do not identify as such. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 11 percent of adults in the United States do not identify as Hispanic or Latino. This self-identification rate also varies among different immigrant generations. For instance, while more foreign born people from Latin America self-identify as Hispanic, third and fourth-generation immigrants are less likely to do so.
In celebration of Hispanic heritage, we should learn more about the history, traditions, and cultures of Latin Americans. During the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, you can attend events, visit museums, or celebrate your cultural traditions and contributions. In the United States, this month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 every year. In 1968, the month began as Hispanic Heritage Week, but was expanded to a full month under President Ronald Reagan in 1988.
Census data are not reliable and the numbers may not be entirely accurate. The 1980 census counted 18 percent of Hispanics; by comparison, the same population did not identify as Hispanic in the 2000 census. The reason is that immigrants from these countries do not identify themselves as Hispanic on census forms. Therefore, it is important to know your ethnic background before filling out a census form. Even if you identify as Hispanic, you may still be undercounted.
September 15 marks the independence day of Chile and Mexico. On October 12 is the Dia de la Raza, the national holiday celebrating Hispanic heritage in the United States. As a minority group, Hispanic Americans have been integral to our nation’s economic and cultural progress. They have enriched American society, which is one of the reasons why we celebrate the Hispanic heritage month on September 15.
As a result, the use of the word “Latinx” has become increasingly widespread. While the word “Latino” is still the most common way to refer to Hispanics, Latinx has become the preferred choice for many. Despite being the preferred choice for many, this term is still far from universally accepted and is still in its early stages. This article examines the history and significance of this term.
There is debate over which term “Hispanic” refers to. Census bureau’s classification is not precise. It includes a wide range of ethnicities, including Brazilians, although their native language is Portuguese. Nevertheless, Hispanic countries include Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina. Latin American countries include countries such as Spain, Argentina, France, Guatemala, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Mexico. These countries have many Hispanic citizens, and a large proportion of the population is Catholic.