#latinex

They either engage in pointless and usually inaccurate discourse about ethnicity or, in case of white queer Americans, make it all about their own experience instead of listening to someone else’s trauma for a change. I can barely enjoy the movie in peace without stumbling into some sort of American discourse.

Disclaimer: I don't mind if a particular Latine person uses this term for themselves, I just care when non-Latine people try to force this term onto people who don't care for it. Also, I don't speak for every Latino, so ask your Latine friends what terms they prefer!

I think that while it comes from a well-meaning place of inclusion, it is a white person term used to make white people feel better about themselves. I much prefer the term "Latin" or "Latine" for those who wish to remain gender-neutral, or even "Latino", as in the Spanish language it can refer to anyone of any gender. You could also use the term "Hispanic" if it is a relevant term that applies to the person/people you are talking about. While I agree that gender-inclusive language is very important, this particular term gets on my nerves.

Many people of Latin descent dislike the term, as it erases part of our identity and connection with the Spanish language (although I'd love to hear from the perspective of non-Hispanic Latino). I've had a classmate try to correct me when I used the term "Latina" to describe myself. "Don't you mean Latinx?" No, I don't. To me, the term "Latinx" feels like it was forced onto me and my people. In the words of a New York Times Article, "The Latino community doesn’t need politicians and corporations to 'fix' our language."

Here are some additional perspectives, both for and against the term, that helped me in formating an educated opinion:

https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/many-latinos-say-latinx-offends-or-bothers-them-here-s-ncna1285916

https://www.pewresearch.org/hispanic/2020/08/11/about-one-in-four-u-s-hispanics-have-heard-of-latinx-but-just-3-use-it/

https://swarthmorephoenix.com/2015/11/19/the-argument-against-the-use-of-the-term-latinx/

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/12/why-latinx-cant-catch-on/603943/

https://www.ntdaily.com/latinx-is-white-washing-an-entire-community/

https://everydayfeminism.com/2016/04/why-use-latinx/

I would love to hear other perspectives! Do you agree with me, but for different reasons? Do you completely disagree? Do you agree with some parts but not others? Do you have anything additional to add? Let me know!

Feliz día de muertos! Mantente seguro y saludable.

Happy day of the dead.