Changing Labels/Self-Identification (Rioja Velarde)

I was struck by the three different graphic organizers that Rioja Velarde used to define herself.  The changes occurred not only because of age and geography, but also because of the influence of people around her and the ways in which they defined her.  She talked about needing to say Catholic instead of Christian - which is interesting to me because I frequently find myself explaining to my (predominately Protestant and Evangelical) students that Catholics are Christian, too.  It was interesting to hear her say how she felt the need to make the distinction as well.  Some of the labels she used became more specific over time (liberal democrat) and others became more broad (latina/woman of color).  It just makes me think that there will never be one term or label that will work (hispanic/latina/specific country) - individuals and societies are far too complex for that.  I guess latino(a) is the best we can do on a broad basis - and I think there is value in uniting latinos in a large group.  However, we also have to understand that it is a very broad term and leave room for the individuals we meet to define themselves and then respect the terms they put forth.