Democratic-backed Connecticut bill would ban 'Latinx' term

[brooklynite]

Associated Press

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A group of Hispanic lawmakers in Connecticut has proposed that the state follow Arkansas’ lead and ban the term “Latinx” from official government documents, calling it offensive to Spanish speakers.

The word is used as a gender-neutral alternative to “Latino” and “Latina” and is helpful in supporting people who do not identify as either male or female, according to the word’s backers.

But state Rep. Geraldo Reyes Jr. of Waterbury, the bill’s chief sponsor and one of five Hispanic Democrats who put their names on the legislation, said Latinx is not a Spanish word but is rather a “woke” term that is offensive to Connecticut’s large Puerto Rican population.

“I’m of Puerto Rican decent and I find it offensive,” he said.

[hlthe2b]

1. While I hate that RW bigots will/have latched onto this to exploit the issue...

I've posted before on the lack of acceptance in Colorado by Hispanic communities who feel the term is being forced on them. When leaders of local organizations commented on its origins from an "East Coast political consultant" they felt that proponents had failed to even discuss it with Hispanic community members throughout the country. Westword (a popular community newspaper in Denver) did a survey on attitudes toward the term several years ago and repeated it in some other areas of the SW, I think (Santa Fe, El Paso, and Albuquerque come to mind). It was met with overwhelming negativity. And frankly, I do think terms that refer to specific ethnic populations should originate within those populations to maximize acceptance.

So, I think this is one to tread lightly on--even if in doing, it cedes an issue to the RW.

[Hortensis]

2. LatinX was started by leftist activists, including gender groups,

and objected most strongly to by conservatives. Of course. It hasn't caught on among Hispanics, and equally of course Hispanic conservatives would be those most emotionally invested in slapping it down, and the politicians they elect most interested in pleasing them.

This reminds me of when "Ms." was new. Most people had opinions ("Mizzzz!&quot but didn't particularly care, but a few would come unglued on the topic.