Ahead of one of the most polarized presidential elections in the United States, a new poll reveals Democrats’ favorite slogan that may be tilting 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 ancestry or cultural identity.
New research suggests that not only do many Latinos not like the word, but the term itself may even be pushing them to vote for Donald Trump.
High-profile politicians such as Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden have used the term during public statements trying to appeal to the Hispanic voting bloc with promises of inclusion and progressive policies.
Protesters and supporters clash 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 the most polarized presidential elections in the United States, a new poll revealed the Democratic slogan that may be tilting Latino voters in favor of the Republicans.
Even after ‘Latinx’ gained substantial traction through its use by boldface liberal names, Republicans rarely, if ever, use the term.
Between 2019 and 2021, during the 116th Congress, half of Democratic representatives used the word on social media, while Republicans did not use it even once. Newsweek.com reported.
A recent survey showed that 75 percent of Latinos familiar with ‘Latinx’ feel the term should not be used to describe the Hispanic population. The survey, carried out by the Bank investigation Center, also showed that 36 percent believe the Democratic slogan has negative connotations.
Another study, revealed in October, found that the label not only alienates Latino voters, but can also actively push them toward Republican candidates.
Former President Donald Trump arrives at a roundtable 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 their support from Democratic candidates,” Marcel F. Roman, one of the two university professors, told Newsweek. who carried out the study.
Part of the backlash stems 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 broader Latino community, Roman said.
“The ‘Latinx’ label has become emblematic of the Democratic disconnect with Latino cultural values,” Evelyn Pérez-Verdia, communications and cultural context strategist and founder of We Are Más, a Southern social impact organization, told the publication. from Florida.
“The consequences of Democrats’ use of trigger messages and symbols, and failure to address the concerns of our expat communities, will continue to unfold as more Hispanic Democrats jump ship,” he added.
Young Latinos will exert a strong influence in the current electoral cycle: 17.5 million are expected to vote on Tuesday. The October study revealed that young Latinos are the most likely to reject the term. Pictured: Protesters and supporters clashed outside the Anaheim Convention Center in 2016.
Young Latinos will exert a strong influence in the current electoral cycle: 17.5 million are expected to vote on Tuesday. The October study revealed that young Latinos are the most likely to reject the term.
‘This trend of young men, including Latinos, showing more conservative leanings is happening across the board. It could reflect the difficulties men face in adapting to changing social dynamics, such as the progress of women in education and the world of work,” explained Amanda Sahar d’Urso, the other professor who worked on the study.
As the election approaches, the Latino community has been thrust into the spotlight with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump seeking to ease tensions after a Trump-endorsed comedian made a racist joke at a recent rally in New York. .
Meanwhile, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has joined Latin megastars Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and Bad Bunny on her side of the political coin.
Now, just days before the Nov. 5 election, a UnidosUS poll shows Harris leading Trump among Latino voters. But his 59 percent support is slightly below the 61 percent Joe Biden got in 2020.