Why is it that Salma Hayek, Penelope Cruz, and Shakira are all considered Latinas when they are caucasian?

People don't like to "think" too much. They take what appears to be the obvious conclusion to someone's appearance and go with it, no questions asked. I've been told by many people that I am Filipino or German. My father is German and my mother is half Filipino half Caucasian. They take whatever appeals to them and then they tell me what I am. I was under the impression that I was American, but I guess not.