¿Qué Pasa, U.S.A.?
You may have heard America described as a “melting pot,” which is the truth. There is absolutely no one way to be “American.” Immigrants and descendants of immigrants contribute diverse languages, cultures, religions, and traditions that only serve to make the U.S. stronger. One important demographic in the United States are Latinos.
Some Definitions First
According to a U.S. Census Report in 2019, the U.S. Hispanic population was around 61 million, or 18% of the total U.S. population. But what does “Hispanic” mean? And how does the word “Hispanic” differ from other similar terms, such as “Latino/a,” “Latinx,” “Spanish,” and ““Chicano/a?”
It should be recognized that someone’s identity is complex to measure and quantify. As a result, these words frequently mean different things to different people in different contexts. But, generally speaking, a “Latino” (or the feminine form “Latina” or the gender inclusive “Latinx”) is defined as “any person of Latin American descent residing in the United States.”
Being “Latino” does not describe someone’s race. A Latino can have any skin color, but will share the common characteristic of coming from Latin America. It should be noted that within Latin America, there are those who trace their roots back to Indigenous populations, colonizers from Europe and elsewhere around the world, enslaved peoples brought from Africa, or any other combination--Latin America has a rich and vibrant history!
You may be wondering if all countries in Latin America speak Spanish. The answer is no! Brazil, one of the most populous countries in the world, is located in Latin America, yet Brazilians speak Portuguese, not Spanish. If you meet a Spanish-speaking person, do not assume that he/she/they are “Spanish!” A “Spanish” person comes from Spain, and, anyway, the Spanish spoken in Spain is vastly different from the one spoken in Cuba or Argentina or Guatemala. Spanish-speaking countries have their own distinct accents, grammar, vocabulary, and sayings which can vary from regions to cities, sometimes within the very same country!
Now, the word “Hispanic” is similar to “Latino,” but it is used more broadly to characterize people who speak Spanish. For example, both a Spaniard and a Mexican can be described as “Hispanic,” but only the Mexican will be “Latino.” “Hispanic” is a common term used in censuses and government documents, though I believe the word “Latino” is more popular in everyday speech.
Lastly, you may have heard the word “Chicano/a.” This term refers to someone born in the United States to Mexican parents or grandparents. Chicanos can also describe themselves as “Mexican-Americans.” Introducing oneself with a hyphenated identity is a newer phenomenon in the U.S., but it is a powerful way of claiming and celebrating one’s history, culture, and language. For example, I personally identify as a proud Latina and Cuban-American!
Population Distribution of Latinos in America
Given the Southern U.S.’s proximity to Latin America, you may assume that most Latinos live in the South or in border states. And you would be correct! According to a July 2020 report by the Pew Research Center, half of U.S. Hispanics live in four Southwest border states: California, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. Three states, Texas, California, and Florida, have the top three biggest populations of Hispanics. States like North and South Dakota, Montana, and Pennsylvania have also seen a fast growth in their Hispanic populations since 2010.
In terms of country of origin, Venezuelans, Dominicans, and Guatemalans saw the fastest population growth since 2010, according to a 2019 Pew Research Center study. Mexicans still account for the largest population of Hispanics in the U.S. at close to 37 million (or 62% of Latinos) in 2017. Across major U.S. cities, certain origin groups are dominant. For example, Hispanics in Los Angeles and Houston are majority of Mexican origin, while Puerto Ricans are the largest group in Orlando, and Salvadorans are predominant in Washington, D.C.
Famous Latinos in the Media and Film
While there is still much left to be done to fully and authentically represent Latinos in media and film, there are many Latino actors, actresses, directors, entertainers, and reporters that are excelling in their fields and lending their voices and platforms to advance social justice causes and call for more inclusion.
Rita Moreno
Country of Origin: Puerto Rico
Creative Works: Anita in West Side Story (1961)--catch the remake coming out soon!; Belle in Slums of Beverly Hills (1998); Lydia in One Day at a Time (2017-Present)
Fun Facts: Rita Moreno has been in the entertainment industry for over 70 years. In her lifetime, she has been awarded an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and a Tony, an accomplishment only a handful of people can claim. She was awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004 by George Bush. She is a strong advocate for Latino representation, on and off the screen.
Diego Luna
Country of Origin: Mexico
Creative Works: Tenoch in Y tu mamá también w. Gael García Bernal (2001); Cassian Andor in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story; Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo in Narcos: Mexico
Fun Facts: Diego Luna began his acting career in telenovelas (Spanish-language soap operas). He has acted in both English and Spanish, with his most recent acclaim being the first Latino to be cast in Star Wars.
Diane Guerrero
Country of Origin: America (Colombian-American)
Creative Works: Maritza Ramos in Orange is the New Black; Lina in Jane the Virgin
Fun Facts: In addition to being an accomplished actress, Diane Guerrero is a passionate advocate for immigration reform. At the age of 14, both of her parents were deported to Colombia. She recounts this experience in her memoir, In the Country We Love: My Family Divided, which was released in 2016.
Jorge Ramos
Country of Origin: Mexico
Fun Facts: Jorge Ramos is one of the most famous Spanish-language journalists and reporters in modern times. He has been the anchorman for Noticiero Univision, a top Spanish-language broadcasting network, since 1986, and he reaches millions of viewers daily. He has authored thirteen books and has won 10 Emmys. Over his career, he has covered five wars and has interviewed some of the most influential leaders in the world, including Barack Obama, John McCain, and Hugo Chávez. His coverage focuses especially on issues impacting Latinos.
Aurora Guerrero
Country of Origin: America (Chicana)
Creative Works: Mosquita y Mari (2012)
Fun Facts: Aurora Guerrero is a queer, Chicana film director, screenwriter, and activist living in California. Her debut film, Mosquita y Mari, premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival and was positively received. Guerrero has also produced a number of short films, such as Pura Lengua.
Adrian Molina
Country of Origin: America (Mexican-American)
Creative Works: Ratatouille (2007); Toy Story 3 (2010), Coco (2017)
Fun Facts: Adrian Molina is an animator, storyboard artist, screenwriter, and lyricist. He has worked at Pixar Animation Studios since 2007. One of his most popular films, Coco, tells the story of a young Mexican boy who travels to the Land of the Dead. Coco is one of the first animated movies to highlight Mexican culture (Día de los muertos, for example) and have a majority Latino cast. Coco earned two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, “Remember Me” (English and Spanish).
Famous Latinos in Music
The diversity of Latin America is exemplified by its music. Spanish-speakers in the U.S. and around the world enjoy a wide variety of Latin artists and musical styles. Here are some of my personal favorites--
Bad Bunny
Full Name: Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio
Country of Origin: Puerto Rico
Musical Style: Latin trap, reggaeton
Favorite Songs: Soy Peor (2016); Estamos Bien (2017); Callatía (2019); Yo Perreo Sola (2020)
Fun Facts: Bad Bunny is arguably one of the most prolific Latin artists of our generation. In his short, but dynamic career, he has released three albums so far: X 100pre, YHLQMDLG (Yo hago lo que me da la gana), and Las que no iban a salir. Bad Bunny is known for his colorful, gender fluid fashion and has used his platform to raise awareness of social issues and the political situation in his home country of Puerto Rico. In 2020, Bad Bunny performed in the U.S. Super Bowl alongside Shakeria and Jennifer Lopez and appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. ¡Epa!
Marc Anthony
Full Name: Marco Antonio Muñiz
Country of Origin: America (Puerto Rican-American)
Musical Style: Salsa
Favorite Songs: Valió La Pena (2004); Tu Amor Me Hace Bien (2004); ¿Y Cómo Es Él? (2010)
Fun Facts: Marc Anthony is a two-time Grammy Award and six-time Latin Grammy Award winner. He is also the ex-husband of Jennifer Lopez, a famous Latina singer and actress.
Prince Royce
Full Name: Geoffrey Royce Rojas
Country of Origin: America (Dominican-American)
Musical Style: Bachata
Favorite Songs: Soy El Mismo (2013); Darte un Beso (2013)
Fun Facts: Prince Royce has collaborated with famous singers such as Selena Gomez, Pitbull, and Snoop Dogg. August 9th, 2018 was proclaimed “Prince Royce Day” in his home state of New York.
Celia Cruz
Full Name: Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso
Country of Origin: Cuba
Musical Style: Salsa
Favorite Songs: La Vida Es Un Carnaval (1998); Rie y Llora (2003)
Fun Facts: Celia Cruz is the queen of salsa music and one of the most famous Afro-Latina artists in history. She produced 37 albums across her career and won two Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammy Awards.
Becky G
Full Name: Rebbeca Marie Gomez
Country of Origin: America (Mexican-American)
Musical Style: Pop
Favorite Songs: Sola (2016); Sin Pijama w. Natti Natasha (2019)
Fun Facts: Becky G’s career took off in 2011, and, since then, she has performed in both English and Spanish. She has collaborated with Bad Bunny, Pitbull, and J Balvin, all famous Latin artists.
Selena
Full Name: Selena Quintanilla-Pérez
Country of Origin: America (Mexican & Cherokee)
Musical Style: Tejano, pop
Favorite Songs: Bidi Bidi Bom Bom (1994); Como La Flor (2001);
Fun Facts: Selena was born in Texas and came from a musical family. She was a famous Tejano singer, which is a style of music popular in Mexico. Tragically, she was murdered by her former manager at the age of 23, but her legacy has lived on, and she’s an Latin music icon to this day.
¿Quieres más música latina? (Do you want more Latin music?)
Amara La Negra (American-Dominican, Afro-Latina): Se Que Soy (2016); Insecure (2018)
Myke Towers (Puerto Rican, Afro-Latino): Estamos Arriba w. Bad Bunny (2019); Michael X (2020)
Shakira (Colombian): Gitana (2009); Chantaje w. Maluma (2016); La Bicicleta w. Carlos Vives (2017)
Jennifer Lopez (American-Puerto Rican): No Me Ames (1999); Jenny from the Block (2002); Super Bowl Half-Time Show w. Shakira (2020)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A Texas native, Bianca Navia is currently in her senior year at Arizona State University pursuing a dual major in Political Science and Global Studies. She is most passionate about international affairs, diplomacy, foreign languages, traveling, and teaching. A fun fact about her? She’s the oldest of four sisters in a big Cuban-Italian-American family!