Mestizos

 __Mestizos__

 A mestizo is a term, mostly used in South and Central American countries, for a person of mixed blood or multiple cultural origins (Paraguay—History). It usually refers to a person having both Indian and European ancestry (Mestizo). However, the word itself isn’t explicitly defined and can have a different definition going from culture to culture. In certain countries the word mestizo has obtain both social and cultural connotations. In Ecuador for example, a mestizo can be “a pureblooded Indian who has adopted European dress and customs” (Mestizo). However, other countries such as Mexico, the word has so many different meanings it was taken out of all government issued census reports (Mestizo). The term Mestizo first came into use when Europeans arrived in the Americas. When Indian woman and European men got married and had children the term was created to classify those children in society.

Home