Latin women are a powerful group of individuals that are shaping the world around them. From the boardroom to the classroom, their influence is causing major waves.
However, despite their power, Latinas are not without challenges. From being a racial and ethnic minority, to a low socioeconomic status group, these women face multiple barriers that can make their lives difficult.
1. They’re viewed as sexually expressive
Latin women are often viewed as sexually expressive. This is due to their heritage and the way they are viewed by society as well as by their own culture.
Latinas are viewed as sexually expressive because they are seen as attractive and exotic. This is due to the fact that they are viewed as different from other people in society, which is something that white men value.
2. They’re viewed as submissive
One of the most damaging racial stereotypes is the depiction of Latin women as exotic, sultry sex symbols or ultra-religious, submissive housemaids. Neither of these caricatures are actually accurate or intelligent, and they are dehumanizing to the Latin community.
The media has played a major role in this, portraying sexy women as hypersexual and promiscuous while depicting passive domestics as underwhelming cooks or lazily slackers. This sexy-ness is not only detrimental to Latin women’s mental health but it also has harmful consequences for their careers and futures.
3. They’re viewed as beautiful
Latin women are viewed as beautiful by men all over the world. Their enticing appearances catch men’s eyes right from the first second and their sweet smiles and warm personalities make them charming and attractive.
However, the media has a big influence on how people see their culture and body types. It’s difficult for Latinas to escape the stereotypes that the media portrays.
4. They’re viewed as smart
There are a plethora of myths and superstitions about the Latino demographic. Some of them are more fun than others. From a survey of over 1,200 Latinos by the Pew Research Center, here are some of the most common falsehoods about our friends in red.
One of the most enduring misconceptions is that latinos are lazy and lack education. In fact, they are arguably the smartest demographic in America. Despite the tumultuous economic climate, many Latinas are proudly and successfully navigating the American workplace.
5. They’re viewed as strong
In the Hispanic community, machismo is a deeply-rooted belief that men should be superior to women for the benefit of their family and society.
In many Latin American countries, machismo has been so normalized that violence against women is an everyday occurrence. This is a huge problem that has contributed to the lack of progress in gender equality throughout the region.
6. They’re viewed as intelligent
The best way to describe the latin woman is as smart, accomplished and savvy. They have a keen awareness of their financial and social standing in the US and abroad and they use it to advantage by making sure their family is a happy and healthy one.
It also entails a lot of sacrifice, both for the family and the individual. The big question is how much of that sacrifice will be worth the resulting dividends in years to come.
7. They’re viewed as independent
Latinas are seen as independent, even when they don’t have the skills to earn a high salary. They also earn less than non-Latina white women, and they are often not able to save money for their futures.
However, it’s important to note that contrasting characterizations of Latinas are often pushed through the media. This is done through heavy-handed, stereotypical and inaccurate portrayals.
8. They’re viewed as beautiful
Latin women have gorgeous features, including curvy bodies and enchanting smiles. They’re also hot-tempered, exotic and self-confident.
A lot of popular images of Latinas in American media are hypersexualized and stereotyped, reinforcing harmful characterizations of the community that can be detrimental to its health and well-being.
These contrasting portrayals can lead to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders for women of color, just like the thin ideal has been shown to be detrimental for young, white, able-bodied people.