Being a Latina woman, there are many stereotypes that not only I, but many women face. When we come across someone who uses these stereotypes, we laugh it off, or pretend to be unbothered. However this shouldn’t be the expected reaction. It’s time for everyone to stop believing and enforcing these stereotypes.
- Every Latina you encounter is Mexican.
Anyone who believes this stereotype clearly did not understand their geography class. Mexico is not the only place where a Latina can come from. A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American or other Spanish culture is considered Latinx, completely regardless of race.
2. Every Latina speaks Spanish.
Please stop trying to start Spanish conversations with a Latina you don’t know. Just because they’re a Latina, doesn’t mean they have to speak Spanish. Not speaking Spanish doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate their Latin culture, some Latinas were never taught Spanish at home.
3. Every Latina is an immigrant.
Surprise! Some Latinas are born in the United States, what a concept. Don’t ask us where we’re from, because when we tell you we’re from a state in the U.S., you might be a little embarassed. While there is nothing wrong with being an immigrant, please don’t go around assuming that every Latina is an immigrant.
4. We all have the exact same body shape.
According to many, Latina’s are all thin, with large breasts and large booties too. This stereotype is so incorrect. Latina’s come in many shapes and sizes, just because we’re not like the Latina’s you see on tv, doesn’t mean we’re all beautiful.
5. Anyone can call a Latina “Mami”.
Please, please, please don’t call a Latina “mami” or “mamacita” if you don’t know them . It makes everyone extremely uncomfortable, it’s not very sexy either. Remember that catcalling isn’t cute. Also, NEVER ask us to call you “papi”.
6. All Latinas have a perfect milky caramel complexion.
Not every Latina has that smooth caramel skin tone people expect us to have. Some of us are super pale, and some of us are darker. Our skin color doesn’t take or put the Latina in us.
7. My name is extremely difficult to pronounce.
Our names really aren’t that hard to pronounce. Also, please don’t try to pronounce our names in Spanish, unless we introduced ourselves with the Spanish pronunciation.
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