100 Questions and Answers About Hispanics and Latinos

"One Hundred Questions and Answers About Hispanics and Latinos" is part of the Michigan State University School of Journalism series in cultural competence. It focuses on the diversity of the largest ethnic group in the United States.

This guide has sections on Hispanic and Latino identity, geography, language, religion, social norms, politics, immigration and deportation, education, work, money, families, culture, health and food. It explains terms such as Chicano, Tejano and Texano, Boricua and deals with deportation and immigration.

The guide is intended for people in business, schools, places of worship, government, medicine, law enforcement, human resources and journalism--anywhere it is important to know more about communities.

We hope this guide works for individuals who just have questions about the people around them.

We start with some definitions:

• 
  
• What does "Latina" mean?
  
• What do "Chicano" and "Chicana" mean?
  
• What is the definition of Chican@?
  
• What does Tejano mean?
  
• What does Boricua mean?
  

And then we have other questions:

• 
  
• What race are Latinos and Hispanics?
  
• What are their places of origin?
  
• Which states have the largest Hispanic populations?
  
• Why is Puerto Rico a territory and not a state or a country?
  
• Do Puerto Ricans pay U. S. taxes?
  
• Is Pope Francis the first Latin American pope?
  
  Our hope is that after people read this guide, or any guide in our series, they will continue researching ad learning on their own by reading more and talking to people. Each individual has his or her own take on things, so it helps to talk to many. No single person can tell the whole story.
  
  Thank you!