I'm surprised he uses the word latinx as I don't think its used actively outside of elite (aka NPR) circles (and the X is silent - thus confusing for actual Spanish speaking people).
You made that clear to me by pluralizing it. Latinx is stupid enough, and unpronounceable enough, by itself. But "Latinxs?" Lah-teen-exes? Luh-tinsh-uhz? Leh-tink-ses? Yeah, it's an exonym.
People I know that grew up in Mexico do not use the term latinxs. The only people I know who use this term, also hold some level of luxury beliefs. Rob did not grow up in Mexico or inside any Latin culture, so maybe that’s why he uses it. What do we call words exclusively used by those who hold luxury beliefs? Whatever it is, latinxs falls under that heading.
I made myself read the article even though it had the word Latinx in the title. That was giving Rob some grace, but for the life of me, Rob, it seems very inconsistent for you to use it. Half of my family is Mexican and we are disgusted by the word.
All of my Mexican immigrant and 2nd, 3rd gen relatives either call themselves Latinos or Mexicans. The ones who are US citizens or residents still usually call themselves Mexicans. Very occasionally Mexican-American. Maybe they use American for two weeks after getting their citizenship. Since you can be a dual citizen, all of the ones who got their papers here in the US, kept their citizenship in Mexico, and apply for their children to become Mexican dual citizens Mexican-American dual citizens. Amongst ourselves, we call the illegal ones amongst us nopalitos (little cactuses)
For all of my white friends, they do not use any descriptive beyond ‘American’ except when we make fun of the Irish red head among us. And that is done in fun/love/jest.
“The most important institution is the family. Even if all foster children miraculously graduated from an elite university and achieved other successes, nothing would compensate for the suffering of their early experiences.
And I am convinced that if given the chance, they would make the same change I would be willing to make: a stable and healthy childhood, followed by a simple middle-class life, instead of 18 years of instability, even if they are followed by a successful story of social ascent.”
The aforementioned has been true in my experience … although life is infinitely complex … and even parents with the best of intentions can produce family ruptures.
There are so many factors to consider: the role of psychology, religion, family dynamics, and personality all play a role.
Learning about family unity (nuclear family and family unity over generations) could be a rich area of research…
I'm surprised he uses the word latinx as I don't think its used actively outside of elite (aka NPR) circles (and the X is silent - thus confusing for actual Spanish speaking people).
Latinx is a stupid word-so stupid that it crosses over into absurdity and makes me laugh. That's why I use it.
I thought you were going woke when read the headline!
lol
You made that clear to me by pluralizing it. Latinx is stupid enough, and unpronounceable enough, by itself. But "Latinxs?" Lah-teen-exes? Luh-tinsh-uhz? Leh-tink-ses? Yeah, it's an exonym.
People I know that grew up in Mexico do not use the term latinxs. The only people I know who use this term, also hold some level of luxury beliefs. Rob did not grow up in Mexico or inside any Latin culture, so maybe that’s why he uses it. What do we call words exclusively used by those who hold luxury beliefs? Whatever it is, latinxs falls under that heading.
Family unity is the elixir…
Excellent piece. LOL about Latinx. It doesn’t make any sense at all.
I made myself read the article even though it had the word Latinx in the title. That was giving Rob some grace, but for the life of me, Rob, it seems very inconsistent for you to use it. Half of my family is Mexican and we are disgusted by the word.
What words do you prefer?
All of my Mexican immigrant and 2nd, 3rd gen relatives either call themselves Latinos or Mexicans. The ones who are US citizens or residents still usually call themselves Mexicans. Very occasionally Mexican-American. Maybe they use American for two weeks after getting their citizenship. Since you can be a dual citizen, all of the ones who got their papers here in the US, kept their citizenship in Mexico, and apply for their children to become Mexican dual citizens Mexican-American dual citizens. Amongst ourselves, we call the illegal ones amongst us nopalitos (little cactuses)
My Mexican friends use these descriptions:
American
Mexican-American
Mexican heritage
Latino (man)
Latina (woman)
For all of my white friends, they do not use any descriptive beyond ‘American’ except when we make fun of the Irish red head among us. And that is done in fun/love/jest.
“The most important institution is the family. Even if all foster children miraculously graduated from an elite university and achieved other successes, nothing would compensate for the suffering of their early experiences.
And I am convinced that if given the chance, they would make the same change I would be willing to make: a stable and healthy childhood, followed by a simple middle-class life, instead of 18 years of instability, even if they are followed by a successful story of social ascent.”
The aforementioned has been true in my experience … although life is infinitely complex … and even parents with the best of intentions can produce family ruptures.
There are so many factors to consider: the role of psychology, religion, family dynamics, and personality all play a role.
Learning about family unity (nuclear family and family unity over generations) could be a rich area of research…
Rob - You make numerous astute points during this interview. In my view, one of your best posts.