1

Running Head: The Hispanic Stereotype

The Hispanic Stereotype

Walter Aguirre
Arizona State University
 2
The Hispanic Stereotype

Topic Proposal
The definition of Hispanic has evolved throughout time and now not many are aware
of what it actually means to be Hispanic. Now the term “Hispanic” is used in a negative way.
Anybody that is Hispanic is classified as somebody that has gone trough several challenges
in their life such as poverty or being part of low-income households. Hispanics are also defined
as drug traders or trouble makers. All of these meanings have created a stereotype among the
Hispanic community. I have been faced with some of these stereotypical phrases including that I
am not short and dark skin so I can’t be Hispanic. The classical stereotypical meaning of
Hispanic has changed my life as it has made me even prouder of being Hispanic trying to prove
to others that I am not the same as their stereotypical Hispanic. This text is to prove that not all
Hispanics are the same and doesn’t necessarily mean that they have gone through some of these
challenges that some Hispanics have gone through in their life.
 3
The Hispanic Stereotype

Alvarez de Davila, Silvia (2016). Falling Behind: Understanding the Challenges Facing Latino
Education in the US. C.E.H.D

Silvia explains all of the challenges that a Latinos is being faced with regarding their
education. It is explained that the education of a Latino is not the same as the rest here in the
United States. She explains how one-third of the Latino population in the US live in poverty and
two-thirds live in low-income households and it could be one factor for low test scores. More
reasons are also given including the language barrier, acculturation, and prejudice and
discrimination at schools. All of these may be leading factors for the low-test scores that Latinos
are achieving.
Silvia has a Ph.D. and has conducted much research regarding the topic of Latinos and
their education. Several statistics are given to prove her point that Latino education is not at the
level that it should be. Several examples are also given to prove the language barrier that may
occur and the discrimination that may occur in a Latino’s life. Also, several other references of
other members of CEHD are mentioned and some of the information that they have discovered
regarding this topic. All of which, make the article valid to prove what they have seen in the US.

C. Ladish, Lorraine (2017). What Being Hispanic or Latino Means to Me. Huffpost.

Lorraine explains what it means to her to be Hispanic or Latino and how the meaning
differs from other non-Latino people. She explains how due to her nationality, most don’t
consider her Latino due to the stereotypical belief of what a Hispanic or Latino is. Another
argument mentioned is how some Latinos consider themselves more Latino than others due
to them not knowing Spanish or where their family came from. All of which may cause
discrimination in some minds of Latinos.
Lorraine is a normal US citizen that comes from Spain. She includes several arguments
regarding the difference between being Latino and Hispanic. She has conducted research to
understand the difference and provides several points in her life to understand what many may
 4
The Hispanic Stereotype

consider what it really means to be Hispanic or Latino. Even some family background is
provided to prove what her argument is and what she considers herself as and that is Latino.

Muy, Amanda (2012). Overcoming The Hispanic Stereotype. Thought Catalog

Amanda gives some insight regarding some of the typical Hispanic stereotypes that many
have to go through on a daily basis. From applying to scholarships, to negative comments that
many may say against Hispanics. One example mentioned was the prompt that one has to answer
when applying for a Hispanic scholarship. That prompt most of the time is about the challenges
of life and how you have overcome them. Rather than talking about the challenges of life,
Amanda would mention the stereotypes to prove that she is a failure. There are many stereotypes
nowadays that try to prove that all Hispanics are failures, but that is never the case.
Amanda is well aware of the stereotypes that a Hispanic may go through here in the
United States and does a good job to explain what some of those stereotypes are. Several
examples are given and are more valid because it is what has happened to her throughout her life.
Her experiences and what she has gone through create a valid argument as there is no one that
can turn it down.

Nevaer, Louis (N.A.). “Hispanic” versus “Latino” versus “Latin”. Hispanic Economics.

Louis provides an explanation on what word means what and why that is the appropriate
definition for each. Hispanic means a person of Latino America that is fluent in Spanish while
Latino means a U.S born Hispanic who is not fluent in Spanish. The similarities and differences
are included in the text and what countries would be considered in what category.
Louis uses a lot of information to demonstrate his point of view on what each word
means. Evidence is given to demonstrate how each individual term has evolved to the definition
that most are aware of today. The definitions are given clearly to really understand what they
mean.
 5
The Hispanic Stereotype
 6
The Hispanic Stereotype