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Early Resistance to Pan-Ethnic Labels
- In the 1960s, Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans had distinct needs and priorities.
- These groups lived in different areas, faced unique challenges, and had little interest in a unifying label.
1960 Census Shortcomings
- The 1960 census lacked a "Hispanic" category and relied on a flawed "Spanish surname count" in some regions.
- This count, based on phone books from Mexico City and San Juan, failed to accurately represent the diverse Latino population.
The Rise of "Hispanic"
- The term "Hispanic" emerged from debates within Latino communities and the Nixon administration.
- Concerns about appearing "too foreign" led to the rejection of terms like "Latin American" and "Latino."