Here's a breakdown to clarify:
* Mexican: This refers to someone who is from Mexico or has Mexican citizenship. It's a specific nationality, like saying someone is Canadian or Japanese.
* Hispanic: This is a broader term that refers to people who share cultural or linguistic ties to Spain. It includes people from Mexico, Spain, Central and South America, and even some parts of the US (like Puerto Rico). It's an ethnicity, not a nationality.
The key difference:
* Nationality: Mexican is a specific nationality. Hispanic is not a nationality, it's an ethnicity.
* Origin: Mexican refers to someone from Mexico. Hispanic refers to someone with cultural ties to Spain.
Important Considerations:
* Not all Mexicans are Hispanic: Some Mexican people might not identify as Hispanic, especially if they are indigenous or have other ancestral backgrounds.
* Not all Hispanics are Mexican: Many Hispanics come from countries other than Mexico.
* These terms can be limiting: Both "Mexican" and "Hispanic" can oversimplify the rich diversity of the people they encompass.
Instead of using these broad terms, it's more accurate and respectful to use specific terms like:
* Mexican-American: Someone who is from Mexico or has Mexican ancestry and lives in the United States.
* Latinx: A gender-neutral term that encompasses people from Latin America.
It's always best to ask individuals how they identify themselves and avoid making assumptions based on broad categories.