Final answer:
The term "Hispanic" as used by the U.S. Census Bureau encompasses a diverse range of backgrounds and is often used interchangeably with Latino/Latina, though many individuals prefer to identify by their specific country of origin or nationality-based terms. The correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "Hispanic" as used by the U.S. Census Bureau doesn't necessarily align with how individuals with origins from Spanish-speaking countries identify themselves. The Marins point out that "Hispanic" is a label of convenience used by the U.S. Census Bureau. This term encompasses a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities and is often used interchangeably with Latino/Latina. However, many individuals identify with a specific country like Peru, Cuba, Argentina, or Spain.
Over time, terms like "Latino" have gained currency to refer inclusively to people from Spanish-speaking countries and cultures, though these terms are not exact synonyms for Hispanic or for racial categories in the U.S. Many Hispanics in the United States tend to select "other" on the Census due to the lack of an official recognition for "Latino" or "mestizo" as racial categories. Adding to the complexity, individuals may prefer nationality-based markers of identity, such as "Mexican-American" or "Cuban," which align more closely with their lived experience and heritage than the broader labels.