Myth: The Hispanic label is harmless
 
 

The perception of a homogenous Hispanic "race" hurts disadvantaged Latinos most

 

  Few would argue that many Hispanics suffer the effects of discrimination. But the misconception of Hispanics as a single race hits the most disadvantaged Latinos hardest. Painting a racially-homogenous portrait of Hispanics often obscures the depth of prejudice against darker-skinned Latinos behind the success stories of white Hispanics whose Caucasian phenotypes have granted them easier entry into the racially-sensitive citadels of privilege in U.S. society. In our race conscious culture, economic success and Caucasian phenotypes are often closely linked. In effect, the depth of discrimination and the needs of those truly disadvantaged are glossed over and minimized. One look at most Spanish-surnamed CEO's in the United States bears out this trend.
Are white Hispanics really a "disadvantaged minority"?

Many white Hispanics are direct descendants of Spanish slave holders. The incongruity of giving white Hispanics protected status as a “disadvantaged minority” is made clear by Harry C. Alford, president of the National Black Chamber of Commerce: “Imagine heirs to slave traders and slave owners being automatically allowed to participate in affirmative action programs like they suffered from slavery and Jim Crow effects. The fact is they prospered from it.”
Who benefits most from the Hispanic label?
 

Marketers - The 2000 census heralded the explosive growth of the U.S. Hispanic population. This news has triggered a bonanza for ad agencies, newspapers, magazines, radio stations and TV networks. These marketers have typically fostered a simplistic picture of a complex group while vying for advertiser dollars intended to reach this fast-growing consumer segment.

Politicians - Both parties often benefit from the illusion of a monolithic Hispanic bloc. For some candidates, Hispanics are courted for votes - although research shows Hispanic communities across the nation show little propensity for unanimity on most issues. For other politicians, a homogenous Hispanic bloc is a bogey man that helps stir fear. It is in this capacity that the effects of the Hispanic myth can be most corrosive.
Another byproduct of a monolithic Hispanic identity: fear
 

The perception of a new and rapidly-growing monolithic racial bloc is frightening to many mainstream Americans. According to Martha Gimenez, Professor of Sociology at the University of Colorado, the illusion of a homogeneous Hispanic identity can intensify racist fears among those worried about low white fertility and increase the likelihood of conflict with blacks who see their communities competing for scarce resources with an ever-growing minority group.

  

Could the Hispanic label create misleading medical results?

 

In recent years, a growing number of medical researchers have begun developing medical studies based on Hispanics as a racial category. Although race is more a social concept than a genetic fact, susceptibility to certain diseases has been proven to occur among people with a common genetic heritage. Sickle cell anemia, lactose-enzyme deficiencies, and certain types of cancers have all been linked to the genetic predispositions of distinct racial groups. When medical researchers use the widely diverse "Hispanic" label as a homogenous racial group for their studies, the medical conclusions made from this research could lead to questionable treatment for patients of all races.

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Other myths surrounding the Hispanic label:

MYTH: The term "Hispanic" has always existed

MYTH: Hispanics are portrayed accurately on TV

MYTH: The U.S. was the hemisphere's only melting pot

MYTH: Most of the New World's slaves came to the U.S.

MYTH: Hispanics are a single race