During a recent appearance on CNN, Texas Democratic congressional candidate Bobby Pulido expressed his discontent with the term “Latinx,” stating that he and his constituents do not use it. On the show, he highlighted the term’s lack of popularity in his Texas district compared to urban areas like New York City and California, where its usage has been more prevalent.
Language and Political Impact
The term “Latinx,” which has emerged as an alternative to the gendered terms “Latino” and “Latina,” has gained traction among academics, activists, and entertainers. However, Pulido pointed out that it has not resonated with many Latino individuals in Texas. He remarked, “People down here don’t speak that way,” emphasizing the regional differences in language preferences.
Host Audie Cornish noted that the 2024 election cycle has seen a growing backlash against certain progressive language, particularly within the Latino community. The discussion included a video clip of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who criticized some politicians, including fellow Democrats, for suggesting that promoting the term “Latinx” could be detrimental to the party.
Pulido responded by affirming his stance, saying, “I don’t speak like that. And the people down here don’t speak that way, and that’s not anything offensive to her.” He acknowledged that while the term is not personally offensive, he chooses not to incorporate it into his vocabulary.
Demographics and Language Preferences
Addressing the socio-economic context of his district, Pulido remarked on the importance of language that resonates with local voters. “My district is pretty much all oil and gas,” he explained. “These are jobs that in many cases in these rural areas are the best paying jobs that people have seen in years.” This focus on local industry underscores his belief that candidates should authentically represent their constituents’ values and language.
According to a 2024 Pew Research Center survey, only 47% of Latino participants were familiar with the term “Latinx,” a significant increase from 23% in 2019. Yet, the actual usage of the term among respondents remains low, with just 3% identifying themselves as “Latinx.” The survey also revealed that 75% of those surveyed believe the term should not be used at all.
Pulido’s comments reflect a broader debate within the Latino community about identity and representation. As language continues to evolve, the acceptance and usage of terms like “Latinx” will likely remain contentious, particularly in diverse regions like Texas.
