The Anxiety of Fulfilling Latina Stereotypes
This article inspired to me to begin this blog. As Erika Sanchez (who shares my first name) described herself I could not help but check off the many attributes that we shared in common. Our fondness of Tequila and hoop earrings, our loud voices and rowdy laughter, our preference of tight-fitting attire, and our every now and then expression in informal English. Though we fit the Latina stereotype in more than one way, this should not be the only way in which we are defined. As Sanchez states every Latina woman is made up of a variety of traits, none racially defining.
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The Viral Immigration Meme: Did you See the Success Story?
After reading the text in the meme, my first reaction was nodding my head at its validity. However, after further reading I was proud at the points Tiscareno-Sato was bringing up. Yes, there are plenty of Hispanic workers in the fields, but there are also a few Latinos climbing the ladder of success. Yet, these do not get recognition. Similarly, Latinas are stereotyped as rowdy, uneducated, sexual objects, but rarely intelligent, college-educated, independent women. Yes, those types of Latinas exist too.
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This article inspired to me to begin this blog. As Erika Sanchez (who shares my first name) described herself I could not help but check off the many attributes that we shared in common. Our fondness of Tequila and hoop earrings, our loud voices and rowdy laughter, our preference of tight-fitting attire, and our every now and then expression in informal English. Though we fit the Latina stereotype in more than one way, this should not be the only way in which we are defined. As Sanchez states every Latina woman is made up of a variety of traits, none racially defining.
_____
The Viral Immigration Meme: Did you See the Success Story?
After reading the text in the meme, my first reaction was nodding my head at its validity. However, after further reading I was proud at the points Tiscareno-Sato was bringing up. Yes, there are plenty of Hispanic workers in the fields, but there are also a few Latinos climbing the ladder of success. Yet, these do not get recognition. Similarly, Latinas are stereotyped as rowdy, uneducated, sexual objects, but rarely intelligent, college-educated, independent women. Yes, those types of Latinas exist too.
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Sofia Vergara: Is She Taking The Latino Stereotype Too Far?
Mouth Agape! I could not believe what I just read. When Sofia Vergara started appearing on U.S television, I was thrilled. My fellow paisana, another Colombian, had crossed over. "She'll represent," I thought. I could not be more wrong. According to the Huffington Post, Vergara isn't afraid of stereotypes. I could care less if she was or wasn't. However, for her to say we (Latinas) are yellers and scandalous?! I almost screamed (no pun intended). She could not have buried us any more deeper into a stereotype. Yes, I will admit, I am loud, I can be scandalous at times, but I would never say we all are because I know we all are not. Also, I was fuming at her audacity to say maids are central to a South-American household. According to her Colombian families have maids for every chore of the house. What?! That makes no sense in itself. If a family has a maid it is because they are wealthy, and if South Americans were wealthy, they would not be coming to the United States in search of a better life! I, a Colombian, can attest the majority of families in Colombia do not have maids. Perhaps, Sofia you grew up in a wealthy household, but please do not generalize Colombian living. People will get the wrong idea.
_____Mouth Agape! I could not believe what I just read. When Sofia Vergara started appearing on U.S television, I was thrilled. My fellow paisana, another Colombian, had crossed over. "She'll represent," I thought. I could not be more wrong. According to the Huffington Post, Vergara isn't afraid of stereotypes. I could care less if she was or wasn't. However, for her to say we (Latinas) are yellers and scandalous?! I almost screamed (no pun intended). She could not have buried us any more deeper into a stereotype. Yes, I will admit, I am loud, I can be scandalous at times, but I would never say we all are because I know we all are not. Also, I was fuming at her audacity to say maids are central to a South-American household. According to her Colombian families have maids for every chore of the house. What?! That makes no sense in itself. If a family has a maid it is because they are wealthy, and if South Americans were wealthy, they would not be coming to the United States in search of a better life! I, a Colombian, can attest the majority of families in Colombia do not have maids. Perhaps, Sofia you grew up in a wealthy household, but please do not generalize Colombian living. People will get the wrong idea.
Hispanic Viewers Embrace Ugly Betty's Postive Role Model
Finally a Latina being represented by her brains and not her body! Not only is she breaking away from the stereotype but she is also the protagonist. The article also discusses the pros of having the Latin culture prevalent throughout the show, how showing the characters eating enchiladas during Christmas dinner had great impact because it was true. That is definitely something Latin Americans can relate too. Just like my family never eats turkey on Thanksgiving, but instead pernil.
Also, Ugly Betty is based on a Colombian novela I watched as a little girl. So seeing the novela in U.S mainstream makes me a proud Colombian.
Finally a Latina being represented by her brains and not her body! Not only is she breaking away from the stereotype but she is also the protagonist. The article also discusses the pros of having the Latin culture prevalent throughout the show, how showing the characters eating enchiladas during Christmas dinner had great impact because it was true. That is definitely something Latin Americans can relate too. Just like my family never eats turkey on Thanksgiving, but instead pernil.
Also, Ugly Betty is based on a Colombian novela I watched as a little girl. So seeing the novela in U.S mainstream makes me a proud Colombian.
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Discusses Predominant Stereotypes:
Maid in America: Top 5 Latina Media Stereotypes
Sexy, Loud, and "Sufrida": Putting an End to Latina Stereotypes
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