Great coverage Mala!

By the definition of Latino that is used in the U.S. to describe the population that immigrated from or has descended from immigrants from Latin America — the primary focus of this publication — she is not Latina. She is European.

“In the United States of America, the term Latino refers loosely to any person of Latin American origin living in the U.S. It is typically contrasted with Anglo-American and/or African-American in common speech. More widely it is occasionally used to denote anyone who speaks (or whose national or ethnic origin is traditionally associated with) the languages derived from Latin. This meaning, however, is very uncommon in US usage, since it is generally thought to refer specifically to Latin America, and not to Latin or Latium (as is the case elsewhere).”

Well aware of what “Latino” means in the rest of the world but that’s not the case here.

When you decide to re-buttal an argument you must be able to back it up. Also, just because in the United States is used loosely does not make it correct. Here is another proof on how they can be wrong when it comes to definitions: They also called themselves Americans. Americans are also people from other countries within the American continent but they will never acknowledge it. So, just because they call themselves Americans, as if America is their country and not the United States of America, does not make it right. That’s the same thing they are doing with the “Latin” word and the way is being used. How much more clear can it be? “Latin(a)” derived from the word “Latin”. Whether you agree or not, It applys to all the people who speaks languages derived from Latin also called Romance Languages, they’re five: French, Italian, Portuguese, Rumanian and Spanish. Just because that’s not the case here in the US does not make it right, so be wrong. Didn’t you check my sources? For your info, European is not in question here.

Monica, what’s your point? Nobody is arguing about how the word Latino (a) is being used in the U.S. Jennifer’s explanation is accurate. Most of us understand what they refer to when it comes to the use of the word in this country, or maybe even this continent. But obviously you and Jennifer had missed my point, which is that there are other races considered Latin too, the problem is that people who lacks knowledge (like you) would argue otherwise. Take a history class, or at least use a Spanish dictionary to look for meanings. Educated people would never say that the Latin language is dead, of course, that’s something you can not understand.

Excellent point, Oso. Sheeps are sweet.

Also, Lidia, your point was taken. Had this been a blog about ancient Rome, or one about the word “latino” and it’s origin and meaning, it would have been appropriate. This post was about the Grammy’s.

And for your information, I AM educated and took many history classes. I don’t have to prove how smart I think I am by calling other people uneducated or bragging that I read the Spanish dictionary.

And with that, I’m done.

ya, oso, reed thah dikshunaree.

Wrong!!! It was the spelling bee contest.
Oh! You got a drinking problem, no wonder you’re having a hard time remembering.

All I’m trying to say here is that there is a genealogical tree from which we have all descended. So if the word Latin(a) is going to be used in general terms, it might very well refer to people in Latin America as well as people in Europe, or those who speak the Romance languages derived from Latin, in this case Laura Pausini.

“someone who refers to a group of people (who cares what group it is) as latin…”

That’s not my intention, I’m talking about the word being used loosely specifically to generalize, so please, do not put words in my mouth.
Your terminologies are good but too subjective. Good for you, it helps you find your identity.
Personally, I rather be addressed by my nationality and not by terms whether they’re racial, cultural or political, etc. But if by any reason I’m being called Latina, Hispanic, etc. I know what they are referring to, the genealogical tree.

Lydia, I’m just writing this message to let you know your so called politically correct statement about Laura Pausini is a load of bull! Latinos is exclusively used to refer to people from Latin America and includes the carribean latinos of Cuba, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico! That is how it is! OK! I live in Australia and that is it’s usage over here too! This is the whole reason Latinos came up with the term, to identify ourselves! It comes from the spanish word for Latin America (latinoamericano) and the whole reason this word came about was to seperate latinos from being defined as the same as Latin Europeans! It is used instead of the term Hispanic to seperate us from Spain and Europeans and to include brazillians aswell which reminds me of your ignorance in saying quote:”Personally, I rather be addressed by my nationality…But if by any reason I’m being called…Hispanic, etc. I know what they are referring to, the genealogical tree.” WHAT GENEALOGICAL TREE, a Hispanic NEVER HAS BEEN AND NEVER WILL BE someone of italian background or from Italy! Which further goes to discredit your argument. I must admit we have people like you down here here too though, people trying to be something that THEY ARE NOT! Why do you try to take our identity from us, if all you Latin Europeans want to come up with a term to identify yourselves from the rest of Europe then do it! Jeez ain’t no one stopping you! You’re just like indians, pakistanis, etc. who think the’re black and continue to call themselves that, in a pathetic attempt to make themselves appear cool or gain more respect it just sad! Accept who you are…..WHICH IS NOT LATINA!!!

@LatinoDownUnda:
“a Hispanic NEVER HAS BEEN AND NEVER WILL BE someone of italian background or from Italy!”

Please learn more about South America and general world history. There are millions of people with Italian ancestors living in places like Argentina, Uruguay and Venezuela. Italian culture is very important in most of urban Argentina especially (language, food, culture, clothing etc..).