The term "Latino/a" may have some social, political, psychological, and cultural functions like it says in the book but I am on the fence about using "Latino/a" for everyone. There is more than one type of Spanish speaking nationality in the world, such as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican etc. so I do not feel that it is right to call all of them "Latino/a." I understand the Latinx communities concerns. There are different islands that make up the country of the Philippines and those people from those different islands do not like to be called Filipino but would rather be called by the island they come from. For example, if someone is from the island of Ilocos, they do not like to be called Filipino but rather be called Ilocano.
Reading this section of the textbook, I could not help but feel a little bit upset. Having to leave your homeland because you were forced, just like with the Spaniards during the Spanish Civil War, is hard enough but coming to a new place and trying to assimilate into the new culture is another obstacle that can bring on anxiety and even depression. But even though it was upsetting, I could not help but feel proud of the Latinx communities as well because they did not just accept the racism and prejudice from the dominant group but did everything they could to make their voice heard. The way the Latino/a writers put out there how those in the Latinx communities felt, in my mind was a perfect way to show the world that there is more than one Spanish nationality out there. Not only is the world informed of the different nationalities, but it gives insight into the problems that these multiple nationalities are facing. It also shows about how the Latinx communities are aware that there were other communities having the same problem so they set the differences in their cultures aside and decided to work together in order make their issues, like with civil rights, known. It was not just through writings that these issues were addressed, it was even seen through the arts as well as music. Sometimes it is not for some to read about things like this, but being able to interact with it through music and arts helps others understand more. I do not know about others but I tend to understand things better through music.
Even though there are still problems apparent with the Latinx community, I believe that as the cultural studies regarding the community develop everyone is understand the issues and try to help in anyway possible. I feel really happy and proud of the Latinx community for the steps they have been taking so far to make their concerns heard. I know for a fact that by reading this text I understand the concerns and feel anger as well as sadness towards what they are facing, especially those that are hybrid "Latinos/as."
