An ongoing struggle to find the true term: Latino or Hispanic?

A blank look washes over junior Lenin Torres' puzzled face. He frowns as he silently wonders to himself, "What is the difference between Hispanic and Latino?" Though of El Salvadorian descent, Torres has never asked himself this question. "I say I'm Hispanic, but I don't know why. I really don't care."

Though Torres may not see a difference, several other people and organizations do. The Americas Global Foundation web site states that the two terms are not identical and the choice between them can be significant. With elections coming up, it is becoming increasingly vital to find a term that Hispanics and Latinos can identify with.

Since the word "Hispanic," which is literally defined as people of Spanish descent, appeared in the U.S. in the 1980s, the name has stuck. "There's the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Hispanic Heritage month, even at Blair it's the Hispanic Club," junior Samuel Encarnacion states. He believes "it's politically correct to say ‘Hispanic' because Spain is what conquered most countries, so most of us technically have Spanish blood."

Francisco Acosta, President of Casa de Maryland, believes Latin Americans should not be tied to Spain by using "Hispanic." "We don't have anything to do with Spain, except the language. We don't even speak the Spaniard's way," he says.

In an informal Silver Chips poll of 100 Hispanic/Latino Blazers, 71 percent prefer the term "Latino" to "Hispanic."

"Latino," unlike "Hispanic," does not just mean a person of Spanish descent. The word dates back to the 18th century and describes Spanish speakers in Central and South America. "It embodies more people," Spanish teacher Dora Gonzalez says.

Kevin Olivas, educational programs manager of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, claims the term is popular because of its pronunciation. "'Latino' sounds Spanish. It's easy to say in Spanish, so some people just prefer it," he states.

However, Olivas admits that some disagree. "I've heard lots of people say ‘Latino' sounds like ‘Latin' with an ‘O' at the end," he says.

With elections, census surveys and SAT tests, it is difficult to identify Latinos and Hispanics because some are offended by being called Hispanic, while others are offended when called Latino, says Gina Garcia, an ABC news writer.

Though MCPS generally uses the term "Hispanic," Gonzalez states some Spanish teachers teach their students about the difference between the two words.

Gonzalez also recognizes that the terms may not be too important to some. "To me, it makes no difference. We all have Spanish roots in us," she claims.