The tan skin, big brown eyes, curvaceous figure and "spicy" accent is what society depicts as the typical Latina woman. So when they see a petite, pale, and non-native speaking woman calling herself Hispanic they automatically categorize her under a white racial profile. Someone's skin complexion should not take away from their ethnic background. You think it would be as simple as saying that every ethnicity comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors, but it's sad how many people get discriminated solely based on just that
1."Are you sure you aren't mixed with anything?"
One of the most annoying comments Latina women get when they are of a paler complexion. No I am not mixed with anything, not all of us are born looking like Sofia Vargas or your grandmother's favorite novella actress.
2. "But you don't speak Spanish..."
It's important to note that not all Latinas grow up speaking Spanish. A lot of parents who were already born in a predominately English speaking country choose to speak to their kids in English so they don't grow up struggling in school with the language barrier. My looks have nothing to do with the ability to speak the language.
3. "You sound like a white girl..."
See the funny thing is most people when making this comment mix intelligence with race, because I sound more articulate and don't "espeak like dis jajajajaja" you assume I must be white. Sorry to shock you, but not all Latinas have a heavy accent. Stop stereotyping people based on traits.
4. "So.. both of your parents are Spanish?"
Yeah that's how it works, there is no selecting and choosing when it comes to your ethnicity.
5. "How do you have green/blue eyes though?"
You've got to be kidding me. The color of your eyes Is based on one thing and one thing only, GENETICS. So yes It is possible for a Latina/o to have different colored eyes. My two brothers, my dad, my grandmothers, all my aunts, and my boyfriend can speak for themselves.
6. "Did you dye your hair?"
No not every blonde or red head Latina woman has dyed her hair to get that color, we've got to give that one to genetics and DNA as well.
7. "I've Never seen a pale Latina before! does your whole family look like you?"
Seriously it's not like we are some exotic species or special breed. There are plenty of pale Latinas in the world that make up a large portion of the population. Yes my family looks like me, they are my family. No, they don't all have pale complexions.
8. "There's no way you're from there, I see more of _____"
Listen I am not Asian, "some sort of European", "a little bit of native", or have "the Irish skin". I am Hispanic and I don't need to hear about what ethnicity you think my appearance reflects.
No matter what you say to a pale Latina if it is something you are saying based off of their looks alone, please don't say it at all. Just because I have snow white's skin, can't speak Spanish, and don't have a heavy accent doesn't mean I don't love my arroz con pollo, my culture, and my fair share of J Balvin.
