Being half Cuban and spending a large part of my childhood in a Spanish-speaking household, I strongly identify with being Latina. I am proud of my culture. I am proud of what we have accomplished. I am proud of the progress my family has made in an effort to create a better future for us. As a proud Latina, nothing aggravates me more than the stereotypes that surround us and the disappointment in people’s faces when I don’t fit into their “idea” of what it is to be Latina, especially when they are not. So here are some stereotypes that surround us Latinas and how I do not fit into them:
1. I am Latina, but I am not…Mexican.
Surprisingly enough, we actually don’t all come from Mexico and as someone who embraces her Cuban and Spanish roots, this is offensive and screams ignorance.
2. I am Latina, but I am not…an immigrant.
Though my family immigrated to the United States and I speak Spanish fluently, I’m not “fresh off the boat” or any less American than you are.
3. I am Latina, but I am not…destined to be a teen mom.
Undoubtedly there are some Latinas that do get married and have kids early; I, along with many other Latinas, am not one of them.
4. I am Latina, but I am not…Gloria from "Modern Family"
She seems to embody what it is to be Latina to the American, TV-watching population. However, much to your dismay, I do not struggle with constructing and pronouncing words in the English language like our dear friend, Sofia Vergara, exaggerates in the show.
5. I am Latina, but I am not…extremely religious.
I don’t have Jesus candles scattered throughout my house and I am not forced to believe the same ideas as my grandparents.
6. I am Latina, but I am not…"hood” or a “chola.”
While there are strong Latinas in our community, I am not a gang member or a threat because of my ethnicity
7. I am Latina, but I am not…exceptionally tan.
While I do have an olive complexion, unless you asked me, you’d think I’m white. Being naturally tan is a luxury that some Latinas possess, however not all of us fit into that ideal image you have of us.
8. I am Latina, but I am not…feisty.
I react the same way any other human would when faced with stupidity. Just because I disagree with something you have to say or don’t appreciate your commentary or flirtatious moves has nothing to do with my Latin roots.
9. I am Latina, but I am not…an amazing cook.
While I admire my grandma for her cooking skills, I am living proof that Latinas don’t spend their days slaved over the stove making “ropa vieja” or “carne asada.” While I know a few signature Latina recipes, my skills generally peak at a solid peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
10. I am Latina, but I am not…a dancer.
When Spanish music comes on at a party, I was not born with dance moves in my DNA. I rock my signature two-step and shake a little bit just like every novice at the club, but by no means will you ever see me dancing Bachata like it’s in my blood.
11. I am Latina, but I am not...dramatic.
Okay, I lied. We are pretty dramatic.
12. I am Latina, but I am not…what you think I am.
Because some of you seem to be confused.
There are stereotypes for all ethnic groups, but since this one personally affects me, I felt the need to address it. I am a proud Latina woman who aspires to be seen for the quality of her character, not her past or the clichéd members of her community. So this one is for all the Latina women who know that they are much more than who they are thought to be.
