Every culture comes with its own set of stereotypes. As Latinas, we, like any other ethnicity, face certain typecasts–some that are hilariously true and some that aren't as pleasant.
Personally, I have always found these preconceptions fascinating for several reasons. One, because having grown up within a big, Salvadorian family, I know that there really are some habits that are undeniably Latino. But also because despite this upbringing, I know that if I were to measure my own personality against these stereotypes, I probably would fail to fit the typical notions of a Latina….which leads me to my question: how Latina is Latina enough?
Much of my history does actually coincide with that of so many Hispanic families. You know the story—it has been documented in countless movies and is so familiar at this point that it has, sadly, almost become cliché. My parents had my older sister very young and moved from El Salvador to the US shortly after. They struggled to learn English and make a living when they first arrived, but were able to eventually settle down. To this day, they work hard and sacrifice a lot to give me and my sister possibilities that they never had. As is usual in these cases, I still have family members in El Salvador, most of whom I barely know and some of whom have never made it out of the country. I also have plenty of relatives here (mostly my mom's side) who I was lucky enough to grow up with and who, to this day, I am super close with.
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And yet, there are also many, many ways in which I am so very un-Latina. Although I know it's pretty necessary these days, I'm uncomfortable speaking Spanish, so much so that my own family calls me a gringa! While most Latinas are supposed to be obsessed with their hair, I really want to shave mine all off. In other areas of appearance, most people think I look more Italian than Hispanic. Whereas many women attribute their inability to show up anywhere on time to their "Latina-ness," I am perpetually 15 minutes early….and that's after I've circled the block a few times. I LOVE beans, but with very rare exceptions, I hate guacamole and pretty much stay away from red meat altogether. I never want a big traditional Latin wedding. Oh, and while most Latinas consider it practically sacrilegious for a woman to not have a child, I'm pretty sure that if I ever am ready for a baby, I'll probably adopt.
But though I admit there are many differences (maybe even more differences than similarities!) between myself and a "typical" Latina, I've never doubted my culture or my place in it. After all, at the end of the day, those preconceptions don't really matter. I adore my family, I respect our background and I am proud to say that who I am today is a mix of their influence and my own education…and that is Latina enough for me!
What makes you different from the stereotypical Latina? Tell us in the comments below!
Image via 20th Century Fox
