A quick google search of “latin women streoytypes” brings up images of thinly- clad oil skinned, crow haired, purple- lipped, curvy sexy latinas women. This fetishization of Latinas in the internet is n’t just embarrassing, but it also has serious consequences. It exacerbates stereotyping and can lead to bigotry. It can even advertise dating violence and increase sexual harassment of young girls.

The otherness and fetishizing of female physiques turns them into simple objects to become won and showcased. This is not to say that there are n’t some positive stereotypes of latina women, but the majority of portrayals in our mediascape leave out a whole community. This typecasting of latinas may reduce their potential by internalizing the picture https://guideposts.org/positive-living/health-and-wellness/life-advice/finding-life-purpose/7-things-you-may-not-know-about-st-valentine/ that world puts forth of them.

Also, these stereotypes can become damaging to immigrant communities because they can power extra- expat sentiments and reinforce the idea that Latinas do n’t belong in the workforce or contribute to the economy. It’s important to read Latina personalities who are intelligent, driven, and powerful. But it’s just as essential to read them with defects, too.

Using a social determinants of health foundation, this study explores family organizing perspectives and experiences among 16 Latinas recruited from two federally qualified medical centers in Baltimore City, Maryland. Focus groups and semi- structured interviews were conducted November 2014 through June 2015. Three central themes emerged: