I am a proud Afro-Latina; I embrace, I show it and I love it. But there are some stereotypes about Latinas that drive me absolutely insane. Here are a few:
1. All Latinas know how to speak Spanish.
False. Not all Latinas know how to speak Spanish. Latinas can be second, third, fourth or even fifth generation Latinas, meaning their parents or grandparents were born in the United States so they grew up speaking English and not Spanish.
2. All Latinas know how to cook.
False. I have friends that are Latinas and burn whatever they touch. But, that's why we have take out, right?
3. All Latinas have curves and a big butt.
We all can't look like J-Lo. I low-key wish I did, but that's not the point here. The point is not all Latinas have a curves and a big butt. Latinas come in all shapes and sizes -- all are beautiful.
4. All Latinas can dance.
Yet again, false. Dancing is hard; to some it comes naturally, to others...it doesn't. Sometimes I feel like I'm Beyoncé when I'm dancing. Other times, I feel like Tina Belcher.
5. All Latinas have a super strict, over protective dad.
I can't speak for myself on this one, but I have Latina friends who's dads could care less about certain things. Not all Latino dads are super strict and crazy; some are just more than others.
6. All Latinas have sexy accents.
Girl, accent where? I've been told I speak perfect English without an accent. I mean, the accent works for Sophia Vergara, but not all Latinas have accents especially accents like her's.
7. All Latinas love soccer.
Once again, false. My mom hates soccer. The only reason she'll watch it is because of my dad. Some Latinas love it, some hate it and others don't care about it. That's just how the ball rolls. (See what I did there? I'll be here all summer.)
8. All Latinas are crazy.
Actually, no comment on this one.
9. Latinas will call you, "Papi."
Have you lost your damn mind? I've had guys beg me to call them, "Papi." The only person I call, "Papi," is my actual father, you nasty.
10. All Latinas are beautiful.
This is true. All Latinas are beautiful; we all hail from different countries, places, families and the list could go on. We come in different shapes, sizes, races and that's what makes us who we are. So to my fellow Latinas, be the best damn Latina you can be.
