Latina women tend to be more family-oriented than their counterparts in other ethnic groups. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of research examining the relationship between work-life balance and caring for family members.
From the fiery poetry of Julia Constanza de Burgos to Disney’s Elena of Avalor, Latina women are way ahead of their time.
Latinas in the media
Latinas have a long history of press traditions, including their own forms of print and broadcast media. While they may not have the scope and scale of Anglo media, they can be useful in documenting the fullness of Latino experiences in America.
Unfortunately, many media portrayals of Latinos perpetuate stereotypes and do not include the broader range of the community’s experiences. Greasy bandidos, fat mam
As a result, these stereotypes can reinforce intersectional biases and contribute to Latinas’ feelings of oppression. The negative impact of these depictions can be particularly harmful to women, because they can affect body image and acculturation. Fortunately, there are some positive representations of Latinas in the media. Among them are the public radio program Latino USA, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The show aims to give a critical voice to the diverse American experience.
Latinas in politics
Despite high levels of political participation, Latinos are under-represented in elected offices. Only four Latinas hold statewide elective office in the United States: Anna Tovar and Lea Marquez Peterson, both Arizona Corporation Commissioners; Regina Romero, mayor of Tucson; and Susana Martinez, New Mexico governor.
Unlike their male counterparts, Latina politicians often have an advantage when it comes to political activism and civic engagement. They are more likely to be able to communicate with voters through common experiences and personal touch points. These are crucial in a political environment where messages like those that Republican Ed Gillespie used to target immigrants in Virginia can backfire among more moderate voters.
But to reach full political parity, Latinas need more than passion. They must also ensure that their issues are heard and that they can be useful in forming electoral coalitions across the nation. This will require a rethinking of old campaign strategies and the creation of new ones.
Latinas in business
Latinas are making a splash in business. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, they were opening more small businesses than anyone else and growing them faster, according to a recent study. That means they have the potential to drive economic growth for America.
But it can be hard to get started. There are plenty of resources that can help. For instance, the Association of Latino Professionals for America has a network that helps connect entrepreneurs. There are also local organizations that offer networking events and workshops.
Another resource is Girl Happen, a network that empowers women to succeed in the business world. The network offers a range of services, including business consulting and mentoring programs. It also provides a platform for women to share their experiences. The site also features profiles of successful women entrepreneurs. Its tagline is “female-founded and Boricua-made in New York.” Emperifolla, a digital content brand, covers fashion, beauty, and culture through a Latinx lens.
Latinas in entertainment
Latinos are increasingly embracing the entertainment industry as a career path. They are among the fastest growing populations in Hollywood, and they have shown up in record numbers at box office events, where they are a significant force driving ticket sales. But even so, they remain underrepresented behind the scenes.
According to the 2020 UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report, Latino actors hold just 6.6% of all acting roles on scripted broadcast shows and 5.5% of those on cable and digital. And they are significantly underrepresented in TV writing, directing and show creator jobs.
But some Latino artists are trying to change that, from the late actor Ricardo Chavira, who starred as Abraham Quintanilla in Netflix’s Selena, to 2022 breakout star Ana de Arma, who has made a name for herself as Marilyn Monroe. They know that depicting normal Latino experiences on the screen is a powerful way to reach viewers. It’s a lesson that Hollywood execs should take to heart.