'Hispanic' is a reference to Hispania, the name by which Spain was known in the Roman period, and there has always been strong ambivalence toward Spain in its former colonies.

Historically, the 19th century is defined by annexations and internal turmoil. For instance, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 gave more than half of Mexican territory to the United States.

'Hispanic' was the term adopted by the government - by the Nixon government in particular - and that made the community feel it was being branded.

Ilan Stavans Quotes