California or Texas? Which State Has More Hispanics?

When it comes to determining whether Texas or California has more Hispanic residents, the answer is not straightforward. The term 'Hispanic' refers to a cultural and linguistic rather than an ethnic identity, reflecting a deep historical and linguistic connection to the Spanish-speaking world. Cultural heritage, birthplace, and language play a significant role in defining Hispanic identity.

Understanding Hispanic Identity

I was born in Veracruz, Mexico, with German parents. For years, I proudly identified as Mexicano, but was always quick to clarify that I am neither Latino nor Hispanic. The term 'Hispanic' encompasses people whose ancestors come from Spanish-speaking countries.

A professor of Hispanic Studies in Quito enlightened me on the cultural nature of the term. Hispanic and Latino are not mutually exclusive; Hispanic reflects culture and Latino speaks to ethnicity. Therefore, my German heritage does not negate my Hispanic identity, nor that of my children, given our enduring immersion in the Spanish-language and Mexican culture.

California and Texas, both boasting significant Hispanic populations, have shares that reflect different demographic histories:

California: 15.6 million Hispanic/Latino Texas: 11.4 million Hispanic/Latino

The 2020 U.S. Census Report

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, California has a larger Hispanic/Latino population both in absolute numbers and as a percentage of the total population. According to the census, California had a total of 15,579,652 people who self-identified as Hispanic or Latino, which is 39.4% of the state's population. Texas followed closely with 11,441,717 Hispanic/Latino individuals, representing 39.25% of the state's total population.

It's essential to note that these figures were reported in April 2021 for the 2020 census. Over the past four years, demographic changes could have shifted these figures.

Region-Specific Hispanic Populations

Within the United States, other regions also have significant Hispanic populations:

Florida: 5.7 million Hispanic/Latino New York: 4.0 million Hispanic/Latino Puerto Rico: 3.3 million Hispanic/Latino

These regions contribute to the broader Hispanic/Latino demographic spread across the country.

Etymology and Cultural Context

The term 'Hispanic' has roots in Latin and Roman culture:

Hispania

Hispania (Hispa?a in Spanish) was the Roman name for the Iberian Peninsula, today comprising Spain and Portugal. The Latin suffix -ic or -icus does not specify ethnicity but refers to shared language, culture, or regional identity.

Latino/Latina comes from Latinus, a figure from ancient European mythology, associated with the ruling families of Rome. Although this term has deeper historical roots, many argue it is a cultural identifier more than a genetic one.

Modernity and Cultural Practice

The Hispanic identity can be embraced by individuals anywhere, not confined to the descendants of Spanish colonizers. Learning Lingua Latina and practicing the culture can make one a 'Latin' in spirit. However, it's important to recognize and respect the cultural and historical contexts behind these terms.

The Roman Catholic Church, while associated with Latin culture, has no direct connection to the modern usages of these terms, particularly in the United States.

Nonetheless, it's advisable for American citizens to embrace and respect the cultural origins of these terms, preserving their significant heritage and cultural contributions.