The Language Latin, not Latin American.

I mean people in the US talk about latin americans as other race. And being latin american means "to live in a country in america where people talk a latin language (spanish, portuguese, italian, french or romanian). I'm from Argentina, and I'm white. Here you can also find mestizos or white. But being latin american is not a race. Do you understand what I say?
Please, don't get angry americans. I don't hate any american. In fact I think peoplein the USA is so friendly. I just wanted to know what is the idea you have about latin american. And let me tell you that I'm sorry if somebody feel angry with this

What exactly is "la raza" supposed to mean? Last time I checked, there is no such thing as a "Latin American race". You've got countries like Mexico which are predominantly mestizo, then you've got countries which are predominantly Amerindian like Guatemala, some which are mostly mulatto like the Dominican Republic and Cuba, as well as some which are predominantly white like Argentina and Uruguay. Even within these countries, not everyone is of the majority race; for example, I was surprised when I went to southern Mexico and met black Mexicans. The point is, if Latin America is not racially homogenous, why do people talk about "la raza"? All this talk about "latinos unidos" is baloney! I live in southern California and have seen hatred between Mexicans and Guatemalans, as well as growing up on the east coast I saw Puerto Ricans who hated Mexicans and vice-versa. It seems to me that they only want to be "la raza" to differentiate themselves from non-Hispanic Americans.
If that's the case Seabiscuit, then I guess I'm part of "la raza" too.

I am from Australia and am planning a trip to Mexico and South America in a few years. I am wanting to learn a language but am unsure if Spanish or Latin American would be more beneficial. Any suggestions