Everyone at my new school calls me Latino, but I'm European. They won't stop! Help?

Question

I have just moved to LA from Uruguay, so in that sense I am Latino as I can speak Spanish (as well as fluent English) and am from South America.

But after 2 weeks at my new school it's getting really annoying how everyone calls me Lara Latino, when I am obviously European. I am half German, half Ukrainian! Everyone (particularly the popular people) think it's hilarious, but it's just ridiculous, but they won't stop. They are just so racist towards South Americans.

I don't have a problem being called a Latino if it's used in the correct sense to describe people who speak a Latin language (technically Italians should be called Latino's!), but when people do it to just be ignorant and stupid, I find it very rude. I don't think they realize that 95% of Uruguay's population is European.

How can I make them stop calling me Lara Latino? I don't want to get on everyone's bad side as it is a new school, but I don't like being called names. Will they stop calling me it if I just ignore them?

Answer 1

Lara,

I'm sorry you feel that way and I do know that both Uruguay and Argentina have a large population of European descent.  Please don't take it like an insult.  I know South Americans, particularly Argentines are very proud of their European ancestry and it bothers them to be associated with non-European roots.  

I am a proud Latina, and I all I can tell you is that you should EMBRACE your heritage, because after all you are Latina.  By the way, in the United States the word Latino is used to describe those who share commont traits like Spanish speaking, maybe certain physical traits, etc.  Latin, on the other hand does refer to people whose native language derives from the old Latin language.

Good luck.  And don't be too upset about the labels.  They're just that: LABELS

Answer 2

Then call names at them just like they do to you.

Answer 3

Go to a different school or become home schooled.  Schools in the LA are are horrible and a waste of time.

Answer 4

Teenagers can be so cruel.  Especially to those who are different from themselves.  Everyone is trying to make themselves feel better and more important by making others feel less important.

Try not to let it bother you.  I know that is easier said then done but if you let them know they are getting to you then they will not let up.  If you have told them that you don't like it and they are still going at it don't bother to tell them again.

Pick your friends wisely and don't worry about what the others say.  You will find your nitch.

Good luck to you.

Answer 5

just ignore it and laugh at your self when they say it that shows them u dont care and so they will stop trust me i hade a simular experience.

Answer 6

they're probably just jealous of you

Answer 7

im from brazil and alota brazillian ppl come from europe! but that dosent mean im european. im latin. and who cares if they say ur latin? cuz u r.

Answer 8

lnsult them back, then be on your way.

Answer 9

yes usually works hang in there

Answer 10

It doesn't matter what people call you- they're the stupid ones for not knowing the difference between who you really are, and what they 'think' they see. As annoying as it may be to you know, the most important thing is that YOU know who you are. People are going to say stupid, sometimes hurtful things to you all your Life, but it's up to you if you let that negativity get you down.

Just be YOU.

Good Luck with the idiots....

Answer 11

Dont give them the satisfaction of seeing that this bothers you. If you act like its a lame name and you think its immature they'll soon get bored of it. Its just to get a reaction out of you.

I wouldnt call them names and retaliate either as this will make you stoop to their level. I think you are a much better person than that.

Dont worry about the popular groups, find yourself some friends that like you for you and that make you feel happy. 1 true friend is worth more than 1000 acquaintances.

Good luck honey - stay strong :)

its always hard when you move somewhere new.

Answer 12

Ignore them..

Name calling and paying attention at is a waste of time.. Yes it gets annoying when people assume you are something else and they don't take the time to get to know you.. I find that also difficult to deal with as people call me Somalian as i am clearly of Sudanese heritage.. I call those people ignorant.. I find that whenever one has to address to one's heritage or race or religion, they should first try to know what it is and then say it in respect instead of assuming that someone is that race whatever etc. etc. etc.

I have noticed that you are proud of being European.. Which is absolutely great and having people to actually tell you otherwise can hurt you in that way. And i agree with you, if people just call you 'Latino' because they want to, it does end up being disrespectful and rude.. But these days we have to ignore those things because people cannot change for you, only you can change for others..

If you don't respond to Lara Latino, they will not call you that. It is best you ignore them. If you ignore them they will start calling you by your name and they will not call you Latino anymore because you don't respond to it.

But the fact is, like you said, anyone who speaks a Latin language are Latino's.. And i guess you have to accept that you are what you are. Be proud of who you are and your rich culture.

Answer 13

i had the same problem, i'm italian and native american, so naturally i have a very deep tanned olive skin tone, in high school people were ignorant enough to say i was a dirty mexican. the best part was while they thought they were being so cool and funny they were making themselves look stupid and immature, so i eventually got fed up and turned it around on them, when they'd say something to me including the dirty mexican part i'd just say, since you have such a hard time amusing yourself with your own life, it's flattering you have to obsess over mine. it made them feel stupid and eventually they stopped acting like children. and really you shouldn't be worried about getting on their bad side, people like that aren't worth being friends with in the first place. just be yourself and ignore people that aren't worth your time.

Answer 14

HEY!!!!!!

being Latino is a good thing!!!

and besides if let the know your being annoyed by that they will keep doing it

Answer 15

Hahah, look at 'Julius C"  

he thinks he's so funny by going around and insulting everyone with his rather intelligent rude remarks? it makes him cool to do this. What? go check his profile, he just made an account and has started to insult everyone here just for expressing their views and asking serious questions.. man he's so funny what a character huh?

Everyone who has been targeted by him, just report him, its time we as a community got rid of trolls that get a kick out of insulting people for no reason.

Answer 16

theres nothing to be done for it but to ignor then im afraid . sorry but kids are such a*s holes

on the other hand ask them what exactly about your appearance is latino. I did this when a boy at school said i was ugly ( not to be big headed or anything but i know im not ) i asked him to point out exactly what part of my face and/or body was not attractive and he was completly stumped !! everyone laughed at him