Latinx Primer for non-Latinx Folks
Dear non-Latine folks in the US (mostly y’all, White people):
Hey, heads-up. You may be making things harder on the Latinx community by how you’ve been using Latinx, Latine, Latina, Latino, Latines, Latinas and Latinos. Let me explain some nuances for you so that you don’t deploy those terms the wrong way.
First up, a definition. What is a Latine/x/a/o?
A person whose ancestors came from a Latin American country. That means they’re from Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba, French-speaking Caribbean nations, Central or South America (including Brazil, excluding English-speaking regions). Their people might speak French, Portuguese, or Spanish.
Understand, however, that “Latine” or “Latinx” is an umbrella term, to be used in a particular set of circumstances.
If you’re talking about a group of Cuban Americans? Call them Cuban Americans. If you’re reporting on something that happened on the border to Mexican Americans? Call them Mexican Americans.
Use the proper term for the specific community that’s being discussed.
BUT — if you’re talking about a MIXED GROUP of people from multiple communities in the US with roots in Latin America? Then it makes sense to use “Latines” or “Latinx people” (the latter being an inclusive, non-binary version of the former).
