Ahead of one of America’s most polarizing presidential elections, a new poll reveals the Democrat-favored catchphrase that may be turning Latino voters toward Republicans.
The term ‘Latinx’, often used by liberals, is used as a gender-neutral term to refer to people of Latin American descent or cultural identity.
New research suggests that not only do many Latinos dislike the word, the term itself may even be pushing them to vote for Donald Trump.
High-profile politicians like Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden have used the term during public statements attempting to appeal to the Hispanic voting bloc using promises of inclusivity and progressive policy.
Protestors and supporters faced off outside the Anaheim Convention Center as Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump spoke inside during a rally on May 25, 2016 in Anaheim, California
Ahead of one of America’s most polarizing presidential elections , a new poll revealed the Democrat catchphrase that may be turning Latino voters in favor of Republicans
Even after ‘Latinx’ gained substantial traction through its use by boldface liberal names, Republicans seldom use the term, if at all.
Between 2019 and 2021, during the 116th Congress, half of Democratic representatives used the word on social media, while Republicans didn’t use it once, Newsweek.com reported.
A recent survey showed 75 percent of Latinos familiar with ‘Latinx’ feel that the term should not be used to describe the Hispanic population. The survey, conducted by the Pew Research Center, also showed that 36 percent believe the Democratic catchphrase has negative connotations.
Another study, revealed in October, found that the label not only alienates Latino voters, but it may also actively push them toward Republican candidates.
Former President Donald Trump arrives for a roundtable rally with Latino supporters at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona on September 14, 2020
‘Latinos and Hispanics often dislike the term and, as a result, are more inclined to support the Republican party or withdraw support for Democratic candidates,’ Marcel F. Roman, one of two university professors conducting the study, told Newsweek.
Part of the backlash originates from the idea that ‘Latinx’ is associated with progressive gender and LGBTQ+ issues, which may not sit well with more socially conservative sectors of the larger Latino community, Roman said.
‘The label “Latinx” has become emblematic of the Democratic disconnect with Latino cultural values,’ Evelyn Pérez-Verdia, a communications and cultural context strategist and founder of We Are Más, a South Florida social-impact organization, told the publication.
‘The consequences of the Democrats’ use of triggering messaging and symbols, and not addressing the concerns of our expat communities, will continue to be revealed as more Hispanic Democrats jump off the ship,’ she added.
Young Latinos are set to exert strong influence over the current election cycle, with 17.5 million expected to vote on Tuesday. The October study revealed that young Latino men are the most likely to reject the term. Pictured: Protestors and supporters faced off outside the Anaheim Convention Center in 2016
Young Latinos are set to exert strong influence over the current election cycle, with 17.5 million expected to vote on Tuesday. The October study revealed that young Latino men are the most likely to reject the term.
‘This trend of young men, including Latinos, showing more conservative leanings is happening broadly. It might reflect difficulties men face adapting to changing social dynamics, like the progress of women in education and the workforce,’ explained Amanda Sahar d’Urso, the other professor who worked on the study.
As the election nears, the Latino community has stepped into the spotlight with Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump trying to ease heightened tensions after a Trump-endorsed comedian made a racist joke at a recent New York rally.
Meanwhile, Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris rallied Latino megastars Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and Bad Bunny to her side of the political coin.
Now, just days ahead of the November 5 election, a UnidosUS poll shows Harris leading Trump among Latino voters. But her 59-percent support is slightly below the 61 percent Joe Biden secured in 2020.
