The celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month started Sept. 15, but in changing times, many find the use of the government created word “Hispanic” is dated and exclusive.
The term Hispanic was first popularized by the U.S. government in 1997. The term comes from the Spanish word “Hispanola” meaning to have an connection to Hispania, modern day Spain, Portugal, Andorra and Gibraltar. The U.S. census Bureau defines the Hispanic and Latino to refer to “a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race.” The problem many have with this word is that while its intended use is to include any one of Latin descent, it only accurately includes those of Spanish descent.
In order to include all people of Latin descent and not just those of Spanish descent, the term Latinx is being widely used across pop culture and academia. The term stems from Latin but uses an x instead of an o or an a in order to represent intersectionality. This term strives to include all men, women and non gender conforming people of Latin descent.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, thus including Mexican Independence day. That being said, many find it unlikely that the holiday is actually intended only for people of Spanish descent.
Gracie Gallego, former board member of the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, identifies as a proud Mexican and Chicana. Gallego values the holiday but admits there are some issues that lie within the name.
“I appreciate the recognition, celebrations and attention to my beautiful culture during Hispanic Heritage Month, “she says. “Unfortunately, the word Hispanic does not convey or encompass all the people or cultures that are being celebrated.”
While many love the celebration, they often lack an understanding of why holidays are celebrated on specific dates. Gallego is one of the more educated people when it comes to understanding the holidays and the history behind them.
“I grew up celebrating Septiembre 16, which is Mexico’s Independence day from Spain. To me, the term Hispanic means one who descends from Spain, which is counter to recognizing Mexico’s victory over Spanish rule,” she says.
Given the popularity of the term Latinx in academia, author, social ethnographer and Spanish professor at DU , Francisco Laguna- Correa, is very familiar with the term. Having been born in Mexico City and raised in the U.S., he considers himself a Chicano. He is also a self-proclaimed “border crosser” given he has lived in various places around the world.
Correa brings up the same point as Gallego, noting that Hispanic Heritage Month is really centered around Mexican culture and Mexican Independence day, thus failing to include all people of the Latinx community.
“Me gustaría ver un cambio,” he says.
I would like to see a change.
He would value a switch from Hispanic Heritage Month to Latinx Heritage Month in order to include more people and make everyone feel their culture being celebrated.
“Ultimately, I want us to understand that not all Spanish speaking people are the same,” she says. “I hope we can celebrate this month to recognize all the people- Latina, Mexican, Hispanic, Chicana and more – who have and continue to contribute to this nation.”
