Latinx Is A Wound

762 Words2 Pages

First and foremost, when someone identifies as Latina, they think of the Latinx community or some as having some association with the community or term itself. That conversation may be valid sometimes, but can cause more harm than good. What defines the word Latina and the proof that underlies it for someone who may be a part of this community? Race vs. ethnicity becomes infused since the darker or lighter complexions of skin are often utilized in the Latino/Latina community. For example, a reading from Palaez Lopez confronts this ideal that was brought upon of racial matter versus the ethical matter as many of the Latino/Latina community. Latina and many other terms in the LatinX community should not be fearful of their identity based on their …show more content…

Defining a Latina is based on gender identity and roles employed in the term itself. According to the article by Lopez Palaez, “The X in Latinx Is a Wound,” they discuss the terminology of femicides, which involves the basis of gender roles used in the Latino/Latina community but overly discusses the killing of women by their gender and presentation(Lopez 3). Gender violence, as described before, is a common occurrence within the term Latina, as we often erase and forget about the harm done. It is also rooted in our ancestral past, as this aspect is frequently used to determine our identities as Latinas. For one, indigeneity, which was apparent in the LatinX and Latina communities, as many people share more connection with these …show more content…

An article by Rodriguez, “Divas, Atrevidas, y Entendidas,” states, “Spanish speakers, however, have a much richer vocabulary for characterizing physical appearance than do Anglo-Americans, and racial signifiers are often employed and read without biased intent.”(Rodriguez 12). As we see, it is also Spanish culture that derives many detrimental traits onto those of different races or different skin complexions. Thus, we arrive at the core, which is challenging race over ethnicity, as we know this entails creating a hierarchy of gender and race. Inclusivity may be essential, but we must comprehend the community's intent in its policies. Identifying as Latina should underlie the strength and morality of the person, not the stereotype or ideal cisgender

Open Document