Latino Identity: Where Are We Going? Is the Term Latinx What We Want?
The terms we and others use to refer to us Latinos are causing many to wonder what to call us, and for us, what we should call ourselves. Latinx seems to be gaining currency, but data we have seen indicate that it is preferred by a scant four percent of Latinos. And some non-Latinos are using it, apparently assuming it is the term of preference by more of us.
By Marcela Miguel Berland and Frank Gómez
WE REALIZE that its adoption is well-intended, the wish to be inclusive. On the other hand, we have seen various arguments against it: 1) it corrupts the Spanish language, a strong unifying factor in our Latino/ Hispanic/Indigenous/Afro/White/Asian heritages; 2) it is political correctness gone too far; and 3) there are other ways to be inclusive. As for the last point, for example, María Hinojosa of Futuro Media Group and NPR uses Latinas and Latinos. And some say that to be true to our Latin language heritage we should use the gender neutral “Latine.”
Some observers maintain, furthermore, that Latinos should fry bigger fish rather than concern themselves with such ways to advance inclusiveness. They point to the assault on electoral representation, educational oppor- tunity, child care, diversity in the workplace, senior management and boardrooms, the dis- parate impact of climate warming on our com- munities, recovery from the pandemic...
Recently, we received an invitation to a webinar addressed to, yes, “Dear Amigxs.” Who know what fate awaits our identity, our very language. If carried to its illogical extreme, we might soon see “humanxs” (hu- manos), “miembrxs” (miembros) and other such usage. A cartoon from 2019 wondered, among other things, how mystified and con- fused our Latin American neighbors must be
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about the ways we identify ourselves. And will we refer to those neighbors will we say “mejicanxs,” “colombianxs,” “dominicanxs” and “puertorriqueñxs”? Do Latinx advocates expect The Latino Coalition, the Latino Corporate Directors Association, the Latino Donor Collaborative, the forthcoming National Museum of the American Latino and many others to change their names? Will we soon mark Latinx Heritage Month? Will we refer to Texas natives as “Tejanxs”?
For decades, we have supported inclusivity, and we have researched and reported on bias and discrimination in employment. We will continue to champion respect for all. Let’s focus our energies on changes where they re- ally matter — making sure Latinos and Lati- nas of all backgrounds and conditions are recognized for their accomplishments and can find equal opportunities.
As researchers, we welcome all views. They will help inform our understanding of these issues.
Marcela Miguel Berland is an award-winning market and opinion research analyst and founder of New York City-based Latin Insights. Frank Gómez is a former Senior Foreign Service Officer, corporate and nonprofit executive, longtime Latino activist and a founder of the Research Institute of United States Span- ish. He is a partner in Latin Insights.