Question about Latin Americans?

Originally posted by Ikki You are so confused with me, opposite to Latinamerica where despective nickname in reference to spanish people are common, sudaka is only used by a small racist minority. I'm not of that minority.

Originally posted by Ikki OK pinguin, althought i don't share some questions, i understand your point of view and agree now with other several points. Sorry if i am annoying sometimes, salud

They are Spanish descendents. The aspect doesn't matter. If a Spaniard married an Amerindian woman and his son married another Amerindian woman you will have greatsons that will look almost full Amerindian, speaking Spanish like the grandfather.

Edited by pinguin - 04-Mar-2009 at 11:33

Originally posted by pebbles In some Latin American societies,many indigenous people were classified as " mestizos " if they spoke Spanish or lived as " mestizos ".

Originally posted by Mixcoatl   Originally posted by pebbles   In some Latin American societies,many indigenous people were classified as " mestizos " if they spoke Spanish or lived as " mestizos ".   During the colonial period ethnicity was a social/juridical definition much more than an ethnical one.   If a completely white Spaniard would go living in an indigenous community he would officialy become an indian, while an indian who would go to live in the city would be classified as mestizo, even if he was of purely indigenous heritage.

I've been reading this book called 1491 and its great for anyone curious about pre-Columbian history. In one chapter I read the author explained that when he was visiting Bolivia, from the plane he coulds see ancient irrigation more advanced that Europe's at the time. There is also a story of the fabric that the Inca used as armor was so tight that it resembled kevlar and some Spaniards opted to wear it instead of their heavy steel armor.

Latin America is a product of a recent mixture of different peoples from Europe (especially Spain and Portugal), native American, and African slaves.
The composition of every country is different, and so are their perceived identities.

The ethnic classification of "Mestizo", "Indigenous", and "European" are more cultural than genetic. In most countries, an "indigena" refers strictly to individuals who keep up with indigenous traditions; such as speak a native language or belong to a specific tribe.
The word "Mestizo" originally means mixed-blood, but nowadays it can refer to anyone who is part of the mainstream Spanish-speaking culture. He could be a full-blooded Indian assimilated into Hispanic customs, or equally a descendant of Galician immigrants or Civil War exiles from Spain.

regarding genetic heritage, every country is different. In Argentina most people are of Spanish, Italian, and other European descent with a small degree of Amerindian mixture; most Colombians and Venezuelans are a mixture of Spanish, Indians, and a small admixture of Africans. Cubans and Venezuelans are mixed Spanish and African; while Puerto Ricans are predominantly Spanish descent with a smaller degree of African and Taino Indian ancestry and so on....

regarding perceived identities, in Mexico, for example, where there were very advanced native civilizations; most Mexicans tend to identify (at least politically) with the indigenous civilizations and distance themselves from the Spaniards. Puerto Ricans and Cubans, for example, look at Spain as the "motherland" and do consider themselves as Spanish offshoots.

However, the colonial legacy has left such an impact that generally speaking, the higher is one's social class, the greater percentage of Spanish ancestry he has; even in anti-Spanish countries such as Mexico.
Most upper class Latin Americans are of predominantly Spanish descent, while the poorer people generally have greater Amerindian ancestry, but the cutting point isn't black and white like in the USA. Due to this social stratification, many Latin Americans have the concept that "the whiter you are, the more superior you are".

I've heard many Peruvian and Ecuadorean women living in Spain who would only date Spanish men because they want to "improve the race of their offspring".
Most of these comments sound rather shocking to Spaniards and most Europeans in general.

There is not that much colonial heritage left after 200 years of independent living. What Europeans and other miss is that massive European waves happens AFTER Independence. In same cases they were encouraged to promote the "whitening" of the populations. There you can find the origins of the desire to "improve the race" of the offsprings. 

Originally posted by pebbles ..    I now have clearer view of " Mestizos " definition.   We're taught about great Aztec & Maya civilizations of Mexico at American schools ( usually begins in junior high ).I thought at least for families who are truly of Aztec & Mayan origins or do have some " Amerindian " heritage for being of mixed blood would be proud of their  indigenous forebears' past accompliments openly.At the same time,they can be culturally attach to Spain.2 California born " short-statued indigenous looking " Mexican-Americans aforementioned,they identified more with Spain at least when talking to me.I thought Mexicans of indigenous origin are free of prejudice to knowledge their Aztec or Maya ancestors in America ( just maybe,they still feel the social stigma for being non-Spanish or not having little White-European blood ),because they are all " Mexicans " to us and no one really cares if one is of Spanish or mixed blood or indigenous.I guess it would take some pychological balance on part of individuals.   In America,very few to none have negative feelings toward  indigenous peoples of Latin America.For native tribes here,it's a different story because of America's colonial history.

Originally posted by pinguin   Originally posted by pebbles   Would you chronologize immigration waves from Spain & European nations between 1800-1950 for us.       I don't have the details,and vary among countries.   However,most Whites in Cuba came at that period. Brazil passed from being a country highly mestizo and mulato to have half its population of European origin. In Argentina, a third of the population in 1900 was foreign.   I know that for every European that arrived in the States,other went somewhere to Latin America.That's the scale of immigrantion that existed.   If I find a full analysis,I post it.