How do Brits view Latin people and culture ?

[LocoLatino]

After some time living in the US…more and more people there seem to not like us Latin people.

So thinking on maybe stopping by the UK to move on and get a new experience there

However, not sure what to expect on culture differences, economy, etc

Who knows? Could maybe find the one in the UK lol. If there is any interest

Not a guaranteed move in but just a thought

haha yes I know that and I’m from the US but roots of Mexico. Of course know will need to fill a lot of paperwork and so much more to move. That’s why it’s just a thought.

Spanish conquered Mexico in 1521. That’s why have similar beliefs as the Spaniards.

@VointofPiewoh I see: I didn’t know that. So Argentinian culture on this stuff (eg fairness, abiding by rules etc) is markedly different from that of the rest of South America?

Funny you say that because we had a big conversation about this last week with regards the Latin in Europe. We weren’t referring to Latin America but Rome, Spain, etc. with reference to the French being actually very Latin as opposed Anglo/ Germanic.

If I think of a Mexican, what comes to mind is the stereotype type of good food and good music.

I don’t think many Brits have an opinion either way, definitely not a negative one. Unless you’re Argentinian, in which case we’ll hate you fervently at least until the new football season starts, and the World Cup is forgotten.

Latin in this country generally refers to people from France, Spain, Portugal or Italy.

People from Latin America are considered to come from the country they hail from, rather than being seen as a homogenous group - so Mexican or Chilean or whatever. What do we think of people from the whole of central and south America? I wouldn't say that there are a large number of stereotypes, tbh. The populations of those countries are so huge and varied and most people in the UK won't know many Latin Americans anyway.

We're more likely to associate 'Latin' with ancient Rome.

'Latino' and 'Hispanic' we know from US culture but don't use the terms ourselves. In Europe people from Spain and Portugal are known as Spanish/Portuguese - we don't lump them together.

People from Central or South American countries (if we can name any ;-) ) would be considered to be from that individual country.

Haha currently studying so just thought. Although do want to take a trip and see for a few weeks how it would be living in the UK. Some people seem friendly.

I’d think that it might be possible that they would be more religious than the average Brit, a bit socially conservative, maybe overly protective of the women in their families. So, mostly I’d be applying stereotypes based on Catholicism, rather than South America, per se. I’m aware all stereotypes are wrong, and not everyone from South America is Catholic, I’m just being honest about what I think might be bubbling away in my brain under the surface. Nothing overly negative and definitely nothing that would compare negatively to US citizens who weren’t from a Latin background (sorry if I’m using the wrong terms, I’m not meaning to be offensive, but I only know one family who are from Ecuador and I don’t refer to them as Latin).

S America is a continent. A huge continent.. so of course cultural attitudes and values differ across countries like it does in Europe. Some countries might be more alike than others, but some totally distinct.

I know for example that there are Argentinians who don't class themselves as Latino because they very much value their European roots (and think that makes them superior to indigenous S Americans) and don't want to be associated with that sort of "exoticness".

Can definitely provide good food. Could make some really good tacos haha

Near to where I live we have a community of people from Brazil. My friend was married to a Brazilian, until he passed away several years ago. My friend comes from Venezuela, and her Mum is from Argentina, and Dad is Canadian. My school friend's Mum comes from Mexico. I don't live in a big city like London or Manchester either! In my opinion you're overthinking the situation way too much!! I love Latin music, dancing, the food and people.

And I wouldn’t worry about the anti- immigrant sentiment. You are not the group of concern.

I mean, I don’t live under a rock - I know it’s a continent.

Languages (and cultures) in Western Europe and generally divided into Germanic (Germany, Netherlands, English etc) and Latin or Romance - Rumanian, Romansh (in Switzerland), Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and everyone argues over French because it was a Germanic language once upon a time but has had so much Latin influence.

if you come from the US everyone in Britain will consider you an American. We don’t do the roots thing.

Yes you’re not wrong to generalize most of us are Catholics. However there are many Christian’s as well.

We are in a way overprotective of our spouse, but in the sense of “that’s my wife and you’ll show her some respect!”

Haha you’re not being offensive and in all honesty us Mexicans don’t care most of time when people insult us lol

Thanks for this perspective! Sounds like your life was spiced up around all areas haha

You’re definitely invited to the carne asada lol

Ds2 has just returned from Mexico where he went whilst the World Cup was going on. He said the Mexican people were amazing. Even after their football defeat to us they held street parties for the visiting England fans

Catholics are Christians 🤔

After the World Cup Mexicans are our new best friends, Argentinians less so.

DS works in hospitality and works with people from many South American countries. Quite a few of them originally came to Europe intending to work in Spain or Portugal, but ended up in Britain where they face less discrimination and racism.

In south East London, at the now being refurbished Elephant and Castle there is a large community of Hispanic/Latino people.
They have businesses, shops and restaurants. The business community was moved to another place at the start of the refurb. Much consideration was given to relocating them in the plans for the regeneration of the area.

There is also a carnival. When we lived in Camberwell we used to go every year.

“South East London's premier Latin American event is Carnaval del Pueblo, Europe’s largest Latin American carnival, which takes place in Southwark’s Burgess Park. Additionally, South London hosts the regular Bermondsey Latino market days at The Blue Market in SE16, providing year-round Latin food, dance, and culture. 1, 2, 3, 4]
A breakdown of these top South East London Latin experiences includes:

• Carnaval del Pueblo: Held in Burgess Park (SE5), this massive open-air festival features traditional arts, a kids' fair, and multiple stages offering everything from salsa and reggaeton to Brazilian and Andean music. It traditionally kicks off with a vibrant carnival float procession from City Hall. 1, 2]
• Bermondsey Latino: A free, family-friendly monthly event located at The Blue Market (Market Place, SE16). It features authentic Latin street food, artisan crafts, and free introductory dance classes. 1, 2, 3]
• Local SalsaMotion in the Park: Held at Manor House Gardens (SE13) on select summer evenings, offering an outdoor social gathering perfect for dancers and families. 1]”

I would say the view of Latin people (by which I assume you mean people from central and South America, plus Portuguese and Spanish and Italian people) is more positive in the UK than it is in the U.S. In general, the stereotype is that you're more emotional and temperamental than us, but also warmer and friendlier (and better at cooking and football!).

I think a lot of us in the UK are aware of the US attitude but we definitely don't share it. All the Mexicans, Chileans, Argentinians I have met have been lovely people.

I am at this moment watching La Casa de Las Flores on Netflix - set in Mexico, as I am learning Spanish. I also love the writings of Isabel Allende and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I'm aware of the chequered Political History, but the cultures seem vibrant and interesting. The music is fabulosa!

It's different here to the US. Brits hardly ever meet anyone from Latin or Central America so they don't have inbuilt prejudicial or particularly negative views. They would probably be more curious than anything, but at worst indifferent.

So if were to try ask someone out. Would their curiosity lead to a yes or no. Is it easier asking them out haha