introduction inventing latinos

AOC is the representative for New York’s 14th congressional district, which includes parts of the Bronx and Queens.
Population of the district is just under 700,000.
Demographics: 50% Latino, Whites 12-18%, Asian Americans 12-18%, and African Americans 12-18%.
AOC is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.
She is recognized as the youngest woman ever elected to Congress.
AOC describes her racial identity in a multifaceted way, stating:
- "I am the descendant of African slaves. I am the descendant of Indigenous people. I am the descendant of Spanish colonizers."
Emphasizes her complex identity: "We are all of these things and something else all at once—we are Boricua."
- "Boricua" is a term that signifies solidarity and political awakening among Puerto Ricans.

Represents New Mexico’s 3rd congressional district, including northern New Mexico from Santa Fe to the Colorado border.
The district's population is around 700,000, with 40% Latino, 20% Native American, and 36% White.
Luján was born in the village of Nambé, between two Pueblo Nations.
He highlights his family history of resilience:
- His paternal grandfather was a sheepherder and maternal grandfather a union carpenter.
He references his appearance and accent, stating:
- "I know I might not look like your typical member of Congress."
Highlights the racial dynamics in New Mexico politics, referencing a Republican press release from December 2019.
- Criticized the voting behavior of New Mexico’s congressional delegates and mentioned race in politics:
- Luján stated: "I have a responsibility to speak out forcefully when racism and dog whistles are used."

AOC and Luján illustrate a shift in racial identity perceptions, focusing on the idea that racial categories are fluid.
Previous generations of Latinos mainly identified by nationality (e.g., Puerto Rican, Mexican American) and often had to choose between being identified as White or Black.
Current generations acknowledge multiple identities and have more freedom in how they choose to present their racial identity.
Sociological observations indicate race is situational and identity can be shaped by circumstances.

The notion of a multi-racial hierarchy in America:
- White individuals hold dominance in wealth, political power, and ideology.
- Racism is often sophisticated, maintaining a system of White supremacy even in periods of civil rights advancements.
Racialization is defined as how society assigns individuals to racial groups and establishes their relative positions within this hierarchy.

Webster’s definition of “invent” applies here on two levels:
- It refers to the creation and imagination behind racial identities, particularly the Latino identity which is seen as a socially constructed, flexible category.
Key point: Race itself has no intrinsic reality; it is rather a social construct that carries profound implications.
- The concept of racism, however, is very real and influences individuals' lives significantly.

The study highlights the comparative politics of Latino and African American racial identities, with significant attention to anti-Latino racism as an aspect of American racial hierarchy.
There is an emphasis on histories of specific racial groups and understanding their interconnectedness.

Latinos in the U.S. are defined as descendants of migrants or those who migrated from Latin America, specifically the former Spanish territories.
- Nearly 70% of Latinos are Mexican American, 10% Puerto Rican, 9% Central American, and smaller percentages from Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
Population growth statistics: From 1980 (14.6 million) to projected 60 million by 2020, showing growth from 6.5% to 18.3% of the U.S. population.

Increase in Latino voting participation, with over 29 million Latinos voting in the 2018 midterms, an increase of 4 million from the previous presidential election.
Notable electoral statistics:
- Latino composition in states varies, reaching significant proportions in California, New Mexico, and Texas.
Role of immigration history in shaping political rights and voting:
- Puerto Ricans can vote as U.S. citizens, and Cuban immigrants have unique naturalization rights.

Anti-Latino racism has grown in recent years, with significant incidents underscoring a climate of fear among the Latino community.
The racist motivations behind the El Paso shooting are indicative of broader societal issues confronting Latinos today.
Surveys indicate a notable increase in Latinos reporting discrimination and challenges in multiple life aspects, further exacerbated by contemporary political rhetoric.

The current framing of Latinos as an ethnic group rather than as a racialized group contributes to perceptions of them as outsiders.
- Complexity within Latino identities is illustrated through class and phenotypic distinctions among Latino groups.
Essential to understand that this ethnic framing often serves to bolster white supremacy by distancing Latinos from African Americans.