The Myth of the Latin Woman” by Judith Ortiz Cofer Free Essay Example

In literature, Latinas have often been portrayed as exotic and sexual objects, with their bodies being fetishized and objectified. In film and television, Latinas are often portrayed as hyper-sexualized and fiery, with their bodies being used as props to titillate and entertain. The origins of the myth of the Latin woman can be traced back to the colonization of Latin America by European powers. During this period, Latin America was depicted as a land of savages, with the indigenous population and African slaves being depicted as inferior and subhuman. She also talks about some of the central stereotypes that are put on Latinwomen, especially by the media. Latinas are often sexualized and presented asthe “fiery lover,” or else they are reduced to a domestic worker who can hardlyspeak English.

The Myth of the Latin Woman Essay

She also explains how on the island the woman don’t get sexual harass because showing your skin was a way to stay cooled off. On the island they could dress freer because in most cases they were protected by the traditions, mores, and laws of the Spanish/ Catholic systems of morality and machismo. They main rules was “you may look at my sister, but if you touch her I will https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-myth-of-the-latin-woman/ kill you”. When Cofer is confronted with a career day at school and is faced with the challenge of deciding what is appropriate to wear. She states her expression of clothing could promote the cultural chasm that she faces. Stating “that it became quickly obvious that to the Puerto Rican girls ‘dressing up’ meant wearing their mother’s ornate jewelry and clothing” ( ).

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However, if a woman chooses to wear open and bright clothes in the US, this can be read as the wrong signal from other cultures’ representatives. Indeed, men of the mainstream culture find the dress of Puerto Rican women not only attractive but enticing (Cofer 910). The stereotype of treating Latin women as sexually available is supported by the media in the US and severely affects their life. The thesis statement of “The Myth of the Latin Woman” by Judith Ortiz Coferis that the author, as a product of Latin American culture, is oftenmisunderstood and stereotyped by Western mainstream culture. Thismisunderstanding extends to her style of dress and behavior, which are oftenmisinterpreted or deemed inappropriate by Western standards.

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I personal don’t care about someone stereotyping me because I will prove you wrong and make you feel ashamed. I know who I am as a person and someone thinking different does not change that. She fights for equality and against prejudice and stereotypes in this piece.

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While experiences of discrimination and stereotyping are less severe for educated or professionally successful Latina women, Judith still faces discrimination as an adult because of these stereotypes. At a conference, another man sings lewd songs about Latina women to her, and at her first poetry reading, a woman in the audience assumes she is a waitress. These experiences inspire Judith’s work as https://hitwe.com/latin/ a writer, motivating her to change stereotypes of Latina women by depicting the complexities of their lives. Cofer further demonstrates the cultural stereotype of the Latino and Hispanic woman as sexually expressive. “For example, that of the Hispanic woman as the ‘hot tamale’ or ‘sexual firebrand” (232). She tells us that the heritage of Latino women lends them to this expression without fault.

• For example, Cofer said a man from a ”bar” spotted her and as if inspiration went down and started singing “Maria” From “West side story”.
• The 20th century saw multiple waves of immigration to the United States from Latin-American countries, particularly Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Cuba.
• As a result, Latina women in the United States often experience harassment and unwanted sexual advances.
• This literature documents the day to day struggle of Latinos in America, and can give us a picture of what it must have been like to be a Latin American years ago.
• Please ensure you properly reference the paper if you’re using it to write your assignment.
• This 10th – 12th grade canonized work allows students a chance to experience what happens when we educate and fight prejudice and stereotypes.

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