Ever since Chino decided to exact revenge on Tony in West Side Story, Latinos have been on the receiving end of bad stereotypes. We’re all hot heads, gang bangers and menacing bad guys.
For the record, The Jets were troublemakers too! But do you see Latinos calling the police whenever a group of Italians Americans take the streets and bust out threatening, synchronized dance routines? No, of course not!
Stereotypes are not just inaccurate, but outright offensive. They can even result in less opportunities. Whether it’s Hollywood portraying us as criminals or being called “invaders” by the President of The United States, stereotypes are dangerous. I’m here to explain how true or false some common stereotypes are,, with some humor of course, to show just how ridiculous most of them are.
We are all immigrants
Not all Latinos are newly arrived immigrants. Many of us are second, third, fourth and fifth generation Americans. Heck, lots of Latinos have such deep American roots these younger generations barely speak Spanish. As a matter of fact, many of our Latin American ancestors migrated up and down this continent before the pilgrims showed up and decided to designate them immigrants. Oh the irony. So before you assume a Latino you meet is new to America remember that they’ve probably been here longer than you and people of your ilk. Respect the natives.
We steal jobs
Yeah because college graduates are just lining up for those highly coveted factory farm positions. You know, where working in hazardous conditions with no health insurance is the name of the game. Please. And just because a Latino has an Italian Ices cart in the barrio doesn’t mean he stole that profession from an actual Italian, man. If that was the case all them white folks selling tacos from their trucks would have some explaining to do as well.
We are all lazy
We’re lazy, we steal jobs – make up your mind and pick one already! You can’t have it both ways and accuse us of being two things at once. It’s like a man calling a woman a “prude” and “easy” in the same sentence. We know you’re mad but at least by consistent with your slander.
We all love soccer and play like Messi.
Yes, futbol is the preferred sport in Latin America. That doesn’t mean every Hispanic man is going to become your team’s Messi or Maradona when he steps on the field. It’s like picking a Black dude for your YMCA basketball team and expecting him to play like Lebron. That being said not all Latinos follow the sport like that either. Back in the day a coworker of mine constantly chatted me up about MLS games and players. I didn’t know what the heck he was talking about. Still I’d humor him like “Word?” and “Word!” The lesson there: find real points of connection, don’t assume you know what they are.
We are all machistas
No, we don’t all think women should stay home taking care of kids and cooking while we bring home the tocino. We’re not always looking to be in charge. Not all of us need to prove we’re the “baddest” either. This does not mean we want to emasculated though. If you try to talk down on a Latino man expect big blowback one way or another. We’ll keep it humble–to a point. Never take our kindness for weakness even if a call to la migra is an option for you. That’s a gamble that you might not want to take especially if you’re not ready to pay that price.
We are all gangsters
Again, West Side Story really painted a negative picture of Latinos and that perception is just stuck. Then came Scarface and the next thing you know we went from simple thugs with switchblades to drug lords with an appetite for white women. The American obsession with gangster movies and cartel kings (and queens) hasn’t helped the cause. Throw in gangster rap from the 1990s and it is a song that has stayed on repeat. The truth is, Latinos are great at a ton of things like acting, singing, poetry, science, medicine – we do it all.
We are all mamas boys
Pedro from The Family Chantel and 90 Day Fiancé really has people thinking that Latino men will choose their mother over their wives. Yes, we love our mamis and will move mountains for them. Of course we’ll do the same with wifey. Pero mami, you gotta understand, that’s mama. She’s old and needs her papito’s help. Don’t get mad at us for being family oriented to a “fault.” Y’all ain’t gonna be complaining when your children begin to appease you to their partners detriment. It’s just the circle of Latino life.
We are all great lovers
This is true. Just look at the dance moves required to finesse salsa, bachata, and merengue. Imagine all those moves but with no clothes on. It’s just science at this point. Besides, no one wants to dispel the idea they’re good in bed.