The Pew Research Center recently conducted a survey on Latinos in the United States, finding that while awareness of the term “Latinx” is increasing, very few actually approve of using it. The term, pronounced “Latin-X,” has been promoted as a gender-neutral alternative to the traditional terms “Latino” and “Latina” by academics, activists, and entertainers. Currently, only 43% of Latino survey participants are aware of the term, a significant increase from 2019 when only 23% knew about it. Despite this, only 4% of those surveyed actually use the term “Latinx” to describe themselves, with 75% actively contending that it should not be used at all.
The origins of the term “Latinx” are not entirely clear, but many believe it was created by LGBT members of the Hispanic community to avoid gendered language. Some individuals have suggested using the term “Latine” as a gender-neutral alternative. However, the use of “Latinx” and “Latine” in the U.S., particularly in politics, has been met with widespread disapproval. This has led to discussions in multiple states about potentially banning the term “Latinx” from official government communications. Arkansas was the first state to officially ban the term, with Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signing an executive order to prohibit its use in government documents.
According to the National Survey of Latinos conducted by the Pew Research Center, the dislike for the term “Latinx” is still prevalent among the Latino population. Despite the increasing awareness of the term, the majority of respondents continue to reject its usage. The survey was conducted between Nov. 6 and Nov. 19, 2023, and included a nationally representative sample of 5,078 Hispanics. This information sheds light on the ongoing debate surrounding gender-neutral language in the Latino community and the resistance to terms like “Latinx” in official government settings.
It is worth noting that the use of “Latinx” is still a relatively niche practice among Latinos, with only a small percentage of individuals choosing to identify as such. Despite efforts by activists and influencers to promote the term as more inclusive and respectful of gender diversity, the majority of Latinos remain opposed to its use. The Pew Research Center’s findings reflect a broader societal debate surrounding gender-neutral language and the challenges of introducing new terminology into cultural and political contexts.
The survey results also highlight the divide between advocates for gender-neutral language and those who prefer to stick with traditional terminology. While some individuals see “Latinx” as a progressive and inclusive term, others view it as unnecessary and potentially divisive. The discussion around gender-neutral language in the Latino community is likely to continue, as different perspectives and preferences shape the ongoing dialogue. As awareness of the term “Latinx” grows, it remains to be seen whether more Latinos will embrace it or if resistance to its usage will persist.
In conclusion, the Pew Research Center’s survey on Latinos and the term “Latinx” demonstrates the complexities and nuances of language and identity within the Hispanic community. While awareness of the term is increasing, the majority of Latinos still reject its usage, indicating a continued resistance to gender-neutral language in this demographic. The debate surrounding “Latinx” and gender-neutral terminology reflects broader societal discussions about inclusivity, diversity, and language evolution, highlighting the challenges and complexities of introducing new terminology into cultural and political contexts.
