Don’t Say ‘Latinx’ – New York Yankees Edition

Hispanic, Latino/Latina, Chicano/Chicana, Latine, or Latinx?

In a rapidly evolving social and political landscape, choice of terms – ones that serve to label particular subgroups of society either by race, culture, or otherwise – have become an increasingly controversial topic. 

In particular, the phrase “Latinx” has not only become a subject of great debate, but has also drawn much criticism from those within the communities that the term seeks to classify. The most prominent example of this dichotomy exists between those who utilize the term (mostly academics, and members outside of the Hispanic and Latino communities) and those who exist within them – a large majority of which do not refer to themselves as “Latinx” nor have positive associations with the term. 

New York Yankees – Don’t Say Latinx

Recently, in the wake of another wave of tragic mass shootings that have plagued our country, the New York Yankees suffered an embarrassing crash course on the use of labels – “Latinx” in particular. While their intentions may have been good, opting to tweet facts surrounding gun violence rather than provide live updates on their game against the Tampa Bay Rays, they suffered a massive blunder, leading to an even more brash response. 

Bronx Representative Richie Torres

Representative Richie Torres of the Bronx was one of the people who spoke out against the use of the term, arguing that the Yankees should be more mindful of the Latino community in their home borough. “The Bronx is overwhelmingly Latino, and I think it’s important for our local team to be respectful of that fact,” Torres said. “I don’t think ‘Latinx’ is a bad word, but I do think that there are other terms that would be more specific and more accurate.” 

“I represent the South Bronx, Home to the Yankees. Never heard anyone locally use the term ‘Latinx’. 

Does a majority of Hispanics actually use the term ‘Latinx’?

If the answer is ‘no’, how did ‘Latinx’ come to be the term to use in government and Corporate America?”

• Richie Torres on Twitter

“I’m not Latinx,” Torres continued. “I’m Puerto Rican.” Torres is one of many Puerto Ricans who have taken issue with the Yankees’ use of the term, which they say erases their identity. “I don’t think the Yankees are trying to be inclusive,” Torres said. “I think they’re trying to be trendy.” The Yankees have not commented on the controversy.

The representative also suggested that the team use the Spanish word “Latino,” which he argued would be more inclusive of all members of the community. It remains to be seen whether or not the Yankees will take Torres’s advice, but his remarks have sparked an important conversation about language and identity in MLB.

C’mon – Please! Respect one’s right to be in control of the language that is employed when it comes to issues of identity, labels, and communities. Such terms should be positive, evoke a sense of pride, and provide a collective, shared identity for all members – and others (outsiders) should respect those basic human liberties.

Check out our conversation with Richie Torres on The Recap for more!