Beginning September 15th every year, the start of Hispanic Heritage month arrives. Unfortunately, this month is often ignored and rarely celebrated throughout our nation. However, when it is celebrated, you can expect to see the attention shifted towards everyone’s ideal Latinx. The problem is that the “ideal” Latinx is not the only kind that there is. All of us deserve the same amount of love and appreciation.
What is an “ideal” Latinx? This question may seem dumb, but for many of us, it is the stereotype that we could never fulfill. You tend to see these people trending all over social media, with praises like “body goals” or “baddie”, normally directed towards women. These compliments are extremely true, but they do, however, lead to a standard that is not reachable by all. Not every Latinx is tan skinned with dark eyes and extremely fit. For the girls, the expectation is to be a slim thick beauty. Despite the fact that many are blessed with these beautiful features, a lot of us have been blessed not with these, but other, equally beautiful traits.
Being a white passing latinx, I constantly receive comments on how “I didn’t look Latin” or how I could “totally pass for a white girl”. From the start I was brought up with these images of gorgeous women, all tan, slim yet curvy, with long, straight hair and just the epitome of perfect. I am not exactly like these women, which is one reason that led me to deny my heritage. Even though I no longer do that, it’s very important that young girls and boys are not enveloped by these stereotypes.
There are many different types of Latinxs, so when we are generalized it’s a real pain. We come in all shapes and sizes, each individual unique and beautiful. We constantly celebrate our queen Selena, and although she is in fact ethereal, in the midst of admiring her we forget all the others. Society has turned some of us into a trend. That is not what we are. We are here to stay, each and everyone of us. Afro-latinx face the biggest plight cause it doesn’t seem like there’s much representation for them, because of this many hate their skin color, features and roots in Africa.
Us Latinxs vary. We are not all Mexican or Cuban but come from all over the place. Don’t erase those that are paler or darker because they don’t fit the stereotype. Rather, spread the love and learn to love everyone of us. Remember not just in the spirit of Hispanic Heritage month but for years to come that you do not need to fit a stereotype to be beautiful.
