Learning To Read
Prejudice of a Latin Woman
Judith Ortiz Cofer’s “The Myth of the Latin Woman: I Just Met a Girl Named Maria” appears to explore the stereotypes that Americans hold towards Latinas, and reveals Coffer’s anger towards the matter. Through narrative Cofer presents details, that many westerners don’t know about life and culture in Puerto Rico. They pride themselves on proper presentation, enjoy one another at fiestas, and consider modesty and virtue as important as family honor. Cofer’s goal is to transform the misconceptions and ethic prejudice into true positive curiosity about Puerto Rico Culture.
Western media has portrayed Latina Woman’s role in American society as servers, house keeping, and none educated aliens. The stereotype has become so prevalent that the name Maria instantly brings to mind the image of a non educated Spanish speaking maid of sorts. It is wrong to view any culture with prejudice. Every culture has its own morality customs and traditions that define its people.
The sexual stigma placed on Latina woman is appalling. In Puerto Rico “ showing some skin” is just a matter of keeping cool, unlike America where it could be taken as a sign of “being easy”. Strict moral codes, traditions and catholic values, prevalent in their society help protect woman. They are free to wear comfortable clothes without being hit on, molested, or worse. Our society is trained to react to exposing clothing like it is a sexual signal.
First reactions upon meeting and interpreting Cofer are shocking. They really reveal how entwined these stereotypes are in our society. If movies and television stopped portraying Latina woman so negatively it wouldn’t help because the damage has already been done. Only through understanding and respect can the stereotypes of Latina woman be expelled from our culture.
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