Portal:Latino and Hispanic American/Intro

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The term "Latino" refers loosely to any person having Latin American background. Latino is often taken to be a synonym with "Hispanic." However, while official use of the term Hispanic has its origins in the Census Bureau in the 1970s, activists within communities of Latin origin have often preferred the term Latin or Latino because it is thought to be more inclusive of the broad range of peoples in Latin America and less derivative of Spain. However, those of Spanish descent, even when born in Latin America, may prefer the term Hispanic. It is typically contrasted with Anglo-American and African-American. The term "Latino" is often incorrectly given racial connotations.