The Land of Open Graves: Living and Dying on the Migrant Trail

Chicanx and Latinx are gender-neutral terms that have emerged to provide inclusive alternatives to traditional gendered language (Chicano/a, Latino/a) in reference to specific ethnic and cultural identities.

Chicanx refers to individuals of Mexican descent living in the United States, reflecting a broader and more inclusive identity that encompasses all gender identities. This term evolved from “Chicano” and “Chicana,” which were originally used during the Chicano Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s to express cultural pride and political activism.

Latinx is a broader term that encompasses individuals from Latin American countries or of Latin American descent living both inside and outside of the US. It serves as a gender-neutral alternative to “Latino” and “Latina,” aiming to be inclusive of nonbinary and gender-nonconforming individuals. Latinx encompasses a diverse range of identities and cultural backgrounds, including but not limited to those from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Necropolitics is a theoretical concept introduced by Cameroonian historian and philosopher Achille Mbembe, referring to the use of social and political power to dictate how certain populations live and die. It examines how sovereign powers control the mortality of people, often through practices and ideologies that marginalize and exploit specific groups. This can include warfare, state violence, systemic neglect, and other forms of coercion that lead to premature death or a diminished quality of life.