Hispanic Americans. The term is used broadly in this country, but it relates to an ever increasing class of people who come from different places and different cultures. Some come from Mexico, some come from Cuba, and yet others come from Latin America. Is there any difference, socially, culturally and politically? Is one section of this diverse community more deserving, or more desirable than another? If so, which one, and why?

Let’s take a look at the differences between the Hispanic/Latino Americans, and perhaps the conclusion will become obvious. Demographically, Hispanics and Latinos make up 16.3% of the population of North America, or a total of 50.5 million individuals. This makes them the second largest ethnic group, after non-Hispanic White Americans (which are themselves composed of dozens of sub-groups). Hispanics and Latinos share a long heritage with White Americans, dating back to the 1565 founding of St. Augustine, Florida, by the Spanish, and near the end of the 16th century in settlements in New Mexico.

The terms ‘Hispanic’ and ‘Latino’ also denote very little difference in the ethnicity of those involved, as the term ‘Hispanic’ is preferred in the east of the country, while the term ‘Latino’ is preferred in the west. The highest number of Hispanic Americans originate from Mexico (almost 32 million) followed by Puerto Ricans (just over 4.5 million) with Cubans ranking at less than 2 million.

Politically, Hispanic Americans appear to prefer the Democrats, with 57% of individuals supporting that party, whereas only 23% identify as Republicans. The Democrat supporters are mainly Mexican, Puerto Rican and Dominican Hispanics, and the Cuban and Colombian Hispanics are mainly in favor of conservative politics.  

Economically, Hispanic Americans are generally in a lower bracket when it comes to average wages. Cuban Americans boast the highest income, with an average of $38,733 and Dominican and Mexican Americans have the lowest, at around $28,000. Puerto Ricans and Central and South Americans recorded incomes in the median, but overall Hispanics tend to be lower paid than White Americans.

The figures would seem to suggest that Mexican and Cuban Americans enjoy slightly more status than the rest of this diverse mix of cultures, but perhaps it would be fair to say that all Hispanics are somewhat less well off than their white counterparts. Those who do not wish to self deport due to this inconsistency should take the time to voice their opinions in the upcoming elections, and demand equality from the society that prides itself on freedom and democracy for all, not just those who happen to be ‘more equal than others’.

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