What's the difference between Hispanic, Latino and Latinx?

Fig. 1 by University of California

6 Oct 202107:01

Summary

TLDRThe debate around the term 'Latinx' reflects broader discussions about identity, gender, and inclusion within the Latino community. While some argue that Latinx is a progressive, gender-neutral term, others find it linguistically challenging or unnecessary. The term emerged in response to gendered language in Spanish, aligning with evolving ideas about gender politics. Historically, terms like 'Hispanic' and 'Latino' also evolved to unify diverse groups and advocate for rights in the U.S. Ultimately, no single term satisfies everyone, but these labels play a crucial role in representation and visibility for marginalized communities.

Takeaways

📈 The term 'Latinx' has become increasingly popular in recent years, sparking strong opinions and debate.
📚 Many languages, including Spanish, use masculine forms to represent all people, which some find problematic.
🌍 Organizers in the past sought to unite diverse Latino communities across the U.S. for better recognition and rights.
🇺🇸 The term 'Hispanic' was adopted by the Nixon administration but has been criticized for its connection to Spain.
🌀 'Latino' and 'Latina' are gender-specific, while 'Latinx' emerged to be more inclusive of all genders, particularly non-binary people.
🧠 The 'x' in 'Latinx' is meant to prompt reflection on gender and intersectionality, but it’s difficult for some Spanish speakers to pronounce.
🔄 Some Spanish speakers prefer using 'Latine' instead of 'Latinx' as a more natural gender-neutral option in Spanish.
📊 There is no universally preferred term for the community, with many people indifferent about whether to use 'Hispanic', 'Latino', or 'Latinx'.
🤝 While there are different experiences in various regions, a unified national identity helps make the community more visible.
🏥 The 'Latino COVID Death Crisis' highlights the importance of visibility in addressing social and health disparities within the Latinx community.

Q & A

What is the debate surrounding the word 'Latinx'?
-The debate around 'Latinx' centers on its attempt to challenge the traditional gendered terms 'Latino' and 'Latina' and create a more inclusive term. Some support it as a step toward non-binary and transgender inclusion, while others resist it, arguing that it feels forced or unnatural, especially in Spanish.
Why was 'Latinx' created, and who does it aim to include?
-'Latinx' was created to provide a gender-neutral term for people of Latin American descent, aiming to include non-binary, transgender, and gender-nonconforming individuals. It reflects evolving ideas about gender politics and challenges the male-female binary.
What were some of the other terms considered to describe the Latinx community historically?
-Other terms considered were 'Brown,' 'Latin American,' and 'La Raza.' 'Brown' was rejected as it could apply to other groups like Southeast Asians, 'Latin American' was seen as too foreign, and 'La Raza' was viewed by some as too politically radical.
Why did the Nixon administration choose the term 'Hispanic'?
-The Nixon administration chose 'Hispanic' as it referred to people with a historical or cultural link to Spain. It was seen as a compromise, although many found it inadequate since it emphasized European ancestry and didn’t reflect the colonial history of many Latinx people.
What are some criticisms of the term 'Hispanic'?
-'Hispanic' has been criticized for its connection to Spain and European ancestry, which doesn’t resonate with many Latinx individuals who identify more with their Indigenous or African roots and a history of colonization.
How does the term 'Latino' differ from other ethnic labels like 'African American' or 'Italian American'?
-'Latino' is gendered, unlike other ethnic labels like 'African American' or 'Italian American.' Latino (male) and Latina (female) have separate gender forms, which has led to the creation of 'Latinx' to avoid this binary.
Why do some people prefer 'Latine' over 'Latinx'?
-Some prefer 'Latine' because it works better with the Spanish language's phonetic structure, avoiding the difficulty of pronouncing the 'x' in 'Latinx.' It’s also seen as more aligned with progressive gender politics in Latin America.
What is the argument against using 'Latinx' in Spanish-speaking communities?
-In Spanish-speaking communities, 'Latinx' can be difficult to pronounce and doesn't fit naturally into the language, which uses 'a' for feminine and 'o' for masculine forms. Alternatives like 'Latine' are seen as more accessible.
How do people's preferences for terms like 'Latina,' 'Chicana,' and 'Latinx' reflect their identity?
-People's preferences for terms like 'Latina,' 'Chicana,' or 'Latinx' often reflect personal or regional identities and their relationship to cultural, ethnic, and gender politics. These terms are flexible, and individuals may use different ones in different contexts.
What is the larger cultural significance of the Latinx debate?
-The Latinx debate is part of a broader conversation about culture, identity, visibility, and belonging. It's connected to efforts to unify diverse Latinx communities for political recognition, better access to resources, and greater representation.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 The Debate Over the Term 'Latinx'

The term 'Latinx' has gained popularity in recent years but has sparked strong opinions. Traditionally, masculine terms have been used to refer to all people, which is problematic, and 'Latinx' is seen as a more inclusive alternative. However, some oppose the idea of inventing a new word, while others embrace it to include all gender identities. This debate can be seen in social media, where words representing large, diverse groups carry significant weight. People use different terms, such as 'Chicana,' 'Latina,' or 'Latinx,' to define themselves based on context.

05:01

👩‍🏫 The Origins and Evolution of Identity Labels

Cristina Mora, a sociology professor at UC Berkeley, studies how terms like Latino, Hispanic, and Latinx emerged in the U.S. In the 1960s, the census offered limited racial categories, ignoring the growing Latinx community. Mexican American, Puerto Rican, and Cuban communities were advocating for equal rights but were seen as regional issues rather than national concerns. To fight for recognition, these groups sought a national identity, though finding an appropriate term was challenging. 'Brown' and 'Latin American' were proposed, but 'Hispanic' was chosen in the Nixon era, despite its European connotation.

🌍 The Shift from 'Hispanic' to 'Latino' and the Role of Gender

By the 1990s, the term 'Hispanic' was reexamined, as many people did not see themselves as connected to Spain. 'Latino' gained popularity, emphasizing shared colonial histories rather than ties to Europe. However, Latino and Latina are gender-specific, unlike terms like African American. The introduction of 'Latinx' reflects a growing awareness of gender politics and aims to be inclusive of non-binary and transgender identities. The 'x' in Latinx forces people to pause and consider intersectionality, though its pronunciation is challenging for some Spanish speakers.

🔤 Challenges in Language Adaptation for Gender Inclusivity

Although Latinx is gaining traction, its pronunciation is difficult in Spanish, where gendered language typically ends with 'a' for females and 'o' for males. Some Spanish speakers are adopting 'e' as a gender-neutral option, using 'Latine' instead of Latinx. This shift reflects broader movements in Latin America toward progressive gender politics, where 'Latine' is more commonly used to represent non-binary identities. The use of Latinx or Latine is about creating transnational solidarity and inclusivity.

🤔 What’s the Right Term? It Depends

There's no single correct term for everyone, and people may have different preferences depending on their context. A recent Gallup poll found that 57% of Hispanic adults don’t have a strong preference for a particular term. The evolution of identity terms reflects the dynamism of communities as they adapt to socio-political changes. While terms may vary by region, having a national identity helps make these communities more visible, especially in addressing pressing issues such as the Latino COVID-19 death crisis.

💡 The Importance of Visibility and Data in Social Justice

Latinx people, particularly those from Mexican and Central American communities, are more likely to be frontline workers and have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Recognizing these communities through clear data helps push for better job protections and healthcare services. Ultimately, while discussions about labels are important, they must be part of a broader effort to address the real-world challenges facing these communities, such as discrimination and access to resources. This is a conversation about culture, belonging, and visibility.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Latinx

Latinx is a gender-neutral term that has gained popularity in recent years to describe people of Latin American descent, challenging the traditional binary gendered terms 'Latino' (male) and 'Latina' (female). In the video, it is highlighted as a term meant to include non-binary and transgender individuals, reflecting a shift towards more inclusive language within the Latin community. It also sparks debates, as some see it as progressive, while others argue that it complicates traditional Spanish grammar.

💡Gender-neutral language

Gender-neutral language refers to terms that avoid assigning a specific gender, particularly in languages like Spanish where nouns are often gendered. In the script, the term 'Latinx' is an example of this, used to replace 'Latino/Latina.' The importance of gender-neutral language is emphasized in relation to intersectional identities and solidarity with non-binary and transgender communities, especially among younger generations.

💡Hispanic

Hispanic refers to people with cultural or historical ties to Spain, and it was the term chosen by the U.S. government in the 1970s to describe people of Latin American descent. However, as the video notes, many people questioned the term in the 1990s, feeling that it tied them too closely to Spain and did not reflect the diverse, often Indigenous, and African heritage of Latin American communities. It also represented an attempt by the U.S. government to create a unified identity.

💡Chicana/Chicano

Chicana/Chicano are terms used by Mexican Americans to describe their cultural and ethnic identity, often associated with pride in their Mexican heritage. The speaker in the video uses 'Chicana' as one of the terms she might call herself, reflecting the personal nature of identity choices. The term is tied to political and social movements, particularly in the U.S. Southwest, and demonstrates how identity can shift based on context.

💡La Raza

La Raza, meaning 'the people' or 'the race,' is a term with political connotations, particularly used in Chicano and Latin American movements to emphasize unity and pride in shared cultural heritage. The video discusses its popularity but notes that some conservative Latinx people felt it was too radical, rooted in Mexican political movements, and not inclusive of all Latinx communities. This term highlights how different words for identity can carry different political and social meanings.

💡Intersectionality

Intersectionality refers to the way various social identities (such as gender, race, and sexuality) overlap and intersect, affecting how individuals experience oppression and privilege. The video emphasizes the importance of the term 'Latinx' in addressing intersectional identities, particularly in relation to gender politics, where people who don't identify as male or female can feel included. Intersectionality is critical to understanding how language evolves to represent diverse and complex identities.

💡Latine

Latine is another gender-neutral term that some Spanish speakers prefer over Latinx because it is easier to pronounce in Spanish. The 'e' ending avoids the masculine 'o' and feminine 'a' while still fitting within Spanish grammar rules. The video mentions Latine as part of a broader movement in Latin America toward more inclusive and progressive gender politics, showing how language evolves differently across cultures.

💡Census categories

Census categories refer to the classifications used by the U.S. Census Bureau to group people by race and ethnicity. The video explains how, in the 1960s, Latin American communities were largely invisible in census data, leading to the creation of terms like 'Hispanic' to give these communities recognition. These categories have significant political and social implications, as they influence how resources are distributed and how communities are represented.

💡Cultural identity

Cultural identity refers to how individuals identify with a particular culture or ethnicity, often shaped by shared history, language, and traditions. The video discusses how terms like Chicana, Latina, Latinx, and Hispanic are all ways people define their cultural identity, each with its own implications. The video suggests that identity is fluid and can change depending on personal preferences and political contexts, emphasizing the complexity of self-identification in the Latinx community.

💡Visibility

Visibility refers to the recognition and acknowledgment of a group's existence and contributions in society. The video emphasizes how terms like Latinx help make communities more visible in social, political, and economic contexts. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the video notes how Latinx people were more likely to be essential workers, and being able to disaggregate data by Latinx identity helped reveal health disparities and advocate for better protections.

Highlights

Latinx has gained popularity, but there are strong opinions about its use.

The masculine form has historically been used to refer to all people, which some consider problematic.

Words like Latinx are meant to represent a large, diverse population and foster inclusion.

Latinx challenges traditional gendered language and advocates for non-binary and transgender inclusivity.

Cristina Mora, a sociology professor at UC Berkeley, studies how labels like Latino, Hispanic, and Latinx emerged in the U.S.

In the 1960s, the Census Bureau failed to account for the growing Latinx community, which led to organizing efforts for national recognition.

Early terms like 'Brown' and 'Latin American' were rejected due to their broad or foreign implications.

The Nixon administration coined 'Hispanic,' linking it to Spanish heritage, which later faced criticism.

Latino/Latina gained favor in the 1990s, emphasizing a shared history of colonization rather than a connection to Spain.

The term Latinx emerged with a new generation focused on gender politics and inclusivity beyond the binary.

Some Spanish speakers have adopted 'Latine' as a gender-neutral alternative that's easier to pronounce.

Surveys show that a majority of Hispanic adults don't have a strong preference for any particular term.

Identity terms evolve with changing socio-political contexts, reflecting the dynamic nature of communities.

A unified national identity helps make marginalized groups more visible, such as in the context of the 'Latino COVID Death Crisis.'

While debates over terminology are important, the larger goal is to foster solidarity, visibility, and improved access to resources for the Latinx community.