Latin peoples all have very much culturally in common, so a thread about Mexico or Italy or even the Philippines may end up evolving into discussion about one country or another. It's pretty much the same in the real world. (Light-skinned) Hispanics and Italians get together quite frequently. Two of my best friends are Puerto Rican/Italian mixes, for example. While there's often a language and class barrier, the cultural bond tends to be stronger. I have more in common with my Latino friends than I do white Irish or Jewish kids who grew up in the same neighborhood.