The truth is that I am indigenous to this continent, but in the United States I cannot claim my indigeneity. My ancestors were the Lenca people and lived in what is now known as El Salvador and Honduras. Even though I am proud to be Latina, the term still begs the question of what race really means. So, what is my race? When I come across that question, I answer in one of two ways; decline to state or other: human.
Tag: race
Posted inIdentity
EDITORIAL: Are Latinos a race?
The Census argues the proposed change would give those Latinos who pick some other race a chance to be counted. It’s about political power and funding. Schools, public health facilities and other government entities and agencies keep track of how many Latinos they serve.
Posted inPolitics
What 4,339 Southern Californians Say Needs Immediate Action From LA Mayor Karen Bass
We asked and you answered. Here are some key takeaways from responses we got to the question about what feels most urgent to Angelenos as the new mayor’s policies and priorities take shape. That’s why LAist launched a 12-question survey during L.A. Mayor Karen Bass’ first three months in office to understand what you think her administration should tackle first.
Posted inUncategorized
CALÓ ON THE STREET: Should we be called Latinos or something else?
Most of our readers will know that Latinos/as/x comprise 37 percent of the 39 million people in California. But did you know that we also account for 18.9% of the world’s total population?
Posted inUncategorized
ANTHONY OCAMPO, proud to be Brown, gay and out with a second novel
Feeling like you have to choose between your identity of race or sexuality, not knowing who you are, and the immense pressure of being a first-generation immigrant child? These are just some of the topics tackled by Anthony Ocampo in his second book, “Brown and Gay in L.A.: The Lives of Immigrant Sons.”
Posted inOpinion
COMMENTARY: Why the term Latinx misses the mark
Latinx emerged as a response to the gender binary inherent in the Spanish language, which requires gender-specific nouns and pronouns. This practice is deeply ingrained in the language and has long been a source of frustration for non-binary and gender non-conforming people of Hispanic origin. Some argue that Latinx solves this linguistic problem. However, many Latin Americans find the term to be an imposition of non-Hispanic cultural values and a term that fails to respect and celebrate the linguistic and cultural nuances of Hispanic communities.