Paper
The principal notion about life revealed in this essay is that in Western
societies the Latin Women are viewed stereotypically as a sex object
or selfless housewives and obsequious workers. Otherwise, some people
believe and perpetuate stereotypes about particular ethnic groups while
in reality those myths can be related to few members of that ethnic group.
In this essay the author Judith Ortiz Cofer discusses how she has
been treated by different people in different countries due to their
conception of her as a Latin woman. The author refers to the several
incidents where she has been viewed stereotypically as a person who is
capable of doing only a very simple job or being an object that satisfies
a man’s lust. She says that from her childhood, because she was a female,
she was kept under strict surveillance by her parents and was schooled
how to behave as a proper senorita. Because of her background she had to
be dressed up as a Puerto Rican girl. As she says it was obvious that
for the others this kind of dressing seemed vulgar. It is clearly that
from her childhood the author has been surrounded by the circumstances
in which a female human being must fit into demands of her society. The
author’s culture and traditions were not the same with the American
culture, and as a result, the girl was grown up on the verge of two
different customs. As the author says, the way of dressing of the Latin
women gives American men a wrong massage about these women. It happens
because they apply their own culture and customs to the traditions of
other ethnic group. Vivid colors of clothes and brilliance of jewelry
sometimes are signals of the easy accessibility of a woman for a Western
man. From those attributes was created a myth about Hispanic woman as
the hot tamale or sexual firebrand.
The author recalls stories that she heard in her house during her
childhood about sexual harassment that Puerto Rican women endured in
factories where they were seen as if sexual innuendo was all they
understood. She also describes her own experience of being seen
stereotypically when the boy who took her to her first formal dance
kissed her and without having received a passional response remarked,
I thought you Latin girls were supposed to mature early. Here we see
not only a stereotypical view of the Latin women but also consideration
of those women as something that is able to ripen like a fruit or
vegetable. The incident with a young boy on the bus who was singing
Maria from West Side Story also seems to have left a bitter taste at
the author, You can leave the island… and travel as far as you can,
but if you are a Latina, the island travels with you. The event at the
hotel seems to be the culmination of the essay. Here a man who seems
to be well-educated and respectable sings a dirty song to amaze the
author and people around. It is obviously that the author was deeply
embarrassed in this incident and she remarks that if non-Hispanic woman
were in her place, the same man would not show such disrespect because
she could be somebodys wife or mother, or at least somebody who might
take offence.” But for this man she was just “an Evita or a Maria:
merely a character in his cartoon-populated universe.”
To support the opinion that the Latin women in the United States are
viewed as domestic or menial workers the author gives another one example
from her own life.
She tells us about her first public poetry reading that took place at
a restaurant. She tells how nervous and excited she was as she walked
in with her notebook in hand. An older woman motioned her to her table
and ordered from the author a cup of coffee, assuming that she was the
waitress. As we see some people only from the appearance of the person,
following and supporting the existing stereotypes, are able to conclude
everything about this human being. They just consider the members of
other ethnic groups as they have been doing it all their lives.
I can relate to this idea about stereotypical view of the Latin women
because I have become a victim of stereotypical view of the Russian women
and because almost all my friends go through this every day. Usually
this misconception arises from cultural differences or from images that
are represented to us by media or TV. And it is highly unlikely for this
misconception to be ever broken down because usually we are satisfied with
what we already know and we dont want to disturb our minds by putting
them into work to change our perception of the around world. Sometimes
it is easier for us just to erase ones individuality by considering a
person as a typical and ordinary than to admit somebody as an unusual
and unique personality.
For the sake of objectivity I have to mention that while I was looking
for the information on Latin women in Internet, after entering the
keywords like “Latin women in USA” and “Discrimination of Latin women”
most of the sites that I was getting were offering sexual services. So,
we can assume that some Latin women have a finger in the pie and intensify
the existing stereotypes.
I would like to tell about Rita Morena, the actress who played in the
mentioned above movie “West Side Story” and who received Oscar for
Best Supporting Actress in this film in 1962. The story of her career
shows in full measure how the Latin women are seen in the USA and in
England. Little child, she was brought to New York from Puerto Rico by her
mother. Growing up, Rosita had to surpass many obstacles in a new for her
society. Because of her natural talent and diligence she quickly succeeded
as an actress and a dancer. But she says that to get a job she had to play
up the idea of the “Latin spitfire.” She always wanted to play important
roles but being a Puerto Rican, she had to play the roles of the Latin
women as they were seen in the USA. Usually she was cast as the dumb,
barefooted, sexy – the only roles she was suited for according to the
filmmakers. In her first role she played “a fiery love machine.” In
her second movie she represented the image of a poor, brown-skinned
woman. She says she felt disappointment at that time because by her work
she was perpetuating the stereotype of the women of her nationality as
hot-blooded and hot-tempered sex kittens. The money received for Oscar
she donated toward the civil rights movement. To escape from racism Rita
went to London but after some month she returned because she found more
racism there. Rita Morena says that even today, after many years, the
situation hasnt changed. Here we see that the whole life of a talented
person was darkened by the stereotype that follows that person even today.
Другие работы по теме:
Myth Dis Essay Research Paper The Wife
Myth Dis Essay, Research Paper The Wife of Bath, Dame Alice is quite a spiteful woman even though she desires only a few simple things in life; power and control. Through her prologue and tale, she makes mirror images of herself , which reflects the person who she really is.
Icarus Essay Research Paper In the poem
Icarus Essay, Research Paper In the poem Waiting for Icarus by Muriel Rukeyser, a woman tells the story of her relationship with a man. She loved him and trusted him but discovers that he betrayed her. The setting of the poem is on a beach where this woman has been waiting all day for this man to arrive. While she is waiting, she reminisces about the promises he made to her and about how he confided his dreams and ambitions to her.
Beauty Myth Essay Research Paper My Beliefs
Beauty Myth Essay, Research Paper My Beliefs on the Beauty Myth In today’s society it seems as though women are forced into being something that they are not. Women see pictures in magazines such as this advertisement I have attached to this paper, and they think to be accepted by everyone else they need to look like “that.” I believe that some of the feelings from “The Beauty Myth” are still true in today’s society, but on the other hand I believe that it should not have to be this way.
The Beauty Myth Essay Research Paper The
The Beauty Myth Essay, Research Paper The Beauty Myth, published by Doubleday in New York City, hit the shelves in 1992. Naomi Wolf wrote this 348-page book. Wolf attended Yale University and New College, Oxford University, where she was a Rhodes Scholar. Her essays have been printed in many well-known magazines and newspapers, including Esquire and the New York Times.
Myths Meaning Essay Research Paper Kuka Teran111899Mr
Myths Meaning Essay, Research Paper Kuka Teran 11/18/99 Mr. Coughlin Myths Meaning “A myth is a story that is not true on the outside, but true on the inside.” In the story of the creation of all living things as well as the sky, sun, moon and stars there is a meaning that most people, when reading the bible, seem to just read over and not stop and take time to understand this somewhat subliminal message within Genesis.
Dinka Myth Essay Research Paper Dinka MythThe
Dinka Myth Essay, Research Paper Dinka Myth* The Dinkas believed that at one time both man and Divinity were in close contact, at this time death was nonexistent. There was a rope connecting the sky (where the Divinity lived) and the Earth (home of man) that was at the reach of a man’s outstretched arm. Every day the Divinity would give the first man and woman one millet to satisfy their needs, but they were forbidden to grow more.
On 1705
("Volcanoes Be In Sicily") Essay, Research Paper Sandra Gilbert Dickinson felt that although "Volcanoes be in Sicily…I may contemplate / Vesuvius at Home." For as a mistress of the mysteries
Creation Myth Essay Research Paper Maysa NamethEnglish
Creation Myth Essay, Research Paper Maysa Nameth English 5/6-3rd hour Creation Myth In the beginning… There was only water and bare, empty land. In the center of this nothingness was a great mountain. This mountain stood tall and proud and it reached all the way into the heavens. At the very top of this mountain lived a pair of every kind of animal.
Indian Creation Myth Essay Research Paper There
Indian Creation Myth Essay, Research Paper There are many interpretations of the Indian creation myth. They are all representations of the main principle of Brahman, which is described as being “everywhere and nowhere, everything and nothing.” (A Dictionary of Creation Myths, p.139, David Leeming and Margaret Leeming) Creation came from Brahman’s thought, or the actions of the god Brahma, who is the representation of Brahman as a man.
Mythology Essay Research Paper MythologyEvery race of
Mythology Essay, Research Paper Mythology Every race of humans and most cultures believed in a myth or type of myth at one time. Sometimes a myth can be something small like a teacher who?s said to be an alien. Yet some are quite big and still believed in today like the loch ness monster. Myths have been around since the beginning of time and will be there to the end.
A Woman
’s View Essay, Research Paper A Women?s View There are a lot of specific cultural values that have been taught to women by society since birth. The three essays, ?I Want a Wife? by Judy Syfers, ?How the Superwoman Myth Puts Women Down? by Sylvia Rabiner, and ?An Open Window On My Private World? by Jane Elizabeth Lemke are all written by women who share their experiences with us.
Myth And Symbol Essay Research Paper It
Myth And Symbol Essay, Research Paper It would be short-sighted to presume The Ecstasy of Rita Joe a somewhat dogmatic condemnation of English Canada’s – indeed, all of Canada’s – neglect of Native culture. What George Ryga likely intended was more a universal pronouncement of guilt on the government’s part with regard to all issues of morality, whether unrecognised or, if you will forgive my coyness, unintended.
King Minos Essay Research Paper TITLE KING
King Minos Essay, Research Paper TITLE: KING MINOS I. TYPE OF MYTH: Greek II. GODS OR GODDESSES INVOLVED: Zeus and Poseidon III. MONSTERS OR CREATURES INVOLVED: Minotaur
Evita Essay Research Paper Evita
Evita Essay, Research Paper Evita Stereotyping is a folly that almost everyone indulges in whether they realise it or not. Of course many try to stop this by educating themselves to
Fake Myth Essay Research Paper Many centuries
Fake Myth Essay, Research Paper Many centuries ago, before you, before me. Before water existed. There was a god, who roamed the earth in search of something, anything. He roamed the barren landscapes and searched under all rocks. Until one day he found something. It was a hole, a hole that seemed bottomless.
Love Essay Research Paper LOVEWhat is love
Love Essay, Research Paper LOVE What is love and how does it start? It may seem like a stupid question, but on second examination, it does not seem quite so stupid. After all, love is a feeling. How can we really describe what a feeling is or means? The meaning of any feeling can differ greatly between individuals, and the meaning of love is no different.
Myth Essay Essay Research Paper A great
Myth Essay Essay, Research Paper A great phenomenon that all humans have questioned at one time in their life is “Why does it rain?” These phenomena would cause humans to create a myth about why it rains. The myth starts off by understanding that tribes are God’s plants within his garden. The ground where the plants root system lies is within the earth.
Prometheus Essay Research Paper Hesiod and Aeschylus
Prometheus Essay, Research Paper Hesiod and Aeschylus both tell the tale of Prometheus, the god that stole fire from Olympus and gave it to man. Each author takes a different position on the matter: Hesiod condemns Prometheus and man, while Aeschylus celebrates them, which is evident in several characteristics of the myth.
Indian Creation Myths Essay Research Paper In
Indian Creation Myths Essay, Research Paper In reading three different Indian creation myths, The Emergence, Lodge-Boy and Thrown-Away, and The Woman who Fell from the Sky, we are taught many things not only about creation myths themselves, but about the culture from which they originated. These creation myths contain many of the same universal elements that are found in nearly all creation myths and they demonstrate for us the degree to which the Indians felt we truly are one with nature.
Poem Flowers Essay Research Paper Lynn had
Poem: Flowers Essay, Research Paper Lynn had never been serene like a glowing bright sky. Always to occupied, like a busy fly. Lynn met a powerful woman, who had some advice,
Four Myth Theories Essay Research Paper Four
Four Myth Theories Essay, Research Paper Four Theories of Myth There are four basic theories of myth. Those theories are: the rational myth theory, functional myth theory, structural myth theory, and the phsycological myth theory. The rational myth theory states that myths were created to explain natural events and forces.
Mythology Essay Research Paper What is mythology
Mythology Essay, Research Paper What is mythology? Mythology is like a fib that started many years ago in the olden days. It is still around due to people still continuing to use a myth as the truth. They seem to not know the difference between a myth and a legend. People these days are so naive it is ashame to know the rate of people that actually believe those myths.
Odyssey Patriarchy Essay Research Paper Patriarchy in
Odyssey- Patriarchy Essay, Research Paper Patriarchy in The Odyssey Women were always looked upon as inferior to males since the very beginning of time. This method, called patriarchy, was much displayed in Homer s Odyssey. The Odyssey favored the male specie, and viewed the men as more dominant than the females.
Mr Essay Research Paper Aspects of the
Mr. Essay, Research Paper Aspects of the Perfect Female The ideal woman of today’s society would contain the following qualities: intelligence, honesty, a sense of humor, spontaneity, assertiveness,
Legal Cheating Essay Research Paper Legal cheatingI
Legal Cheating Essay, Research Paper Legal cheating I was never really good in Latin, although I had taken it for 5 years. The final exam was near and would decide whether I failed or passed the class. There were just 6 people and all the students were very smart and had an average of about 95%. I had a normal average of 86%.
Compare The Archetypes Of Unrequited Love And
The Maiden Goddess In Great Expectations And Daphne And Apollo. Essay, Research Paper Compare the Archetypes of Unrequited Love and the Maiden Goddess in Great Expectations and Daphne and Apollo.
Capitalists Essay Research Paper Capitalists
Capitalists Essay, Research Paper Capitalists & Underdevelopment In Open Veins of Latin America by Eduardo Galeano the capitalist portrayal in Latin America is represented as the cause and effect of the present day problems in Latin America. The cause of poverty in Latin America is the more developed countries of the world; raping the land for the minerals, sugar and coffee.
Almost A Woman Essay Research Paper In
Almost A Woman Essay, Research Paper In the autobiography Almost A Woman by Esmeralda Santiago, there are many cultural differences. She feels alienated from the rest of the people in New York or the United States, for that matter. When Esmeralda was thirteen she moved to New York with her family from Puerto Rico.
Woman And Equal Opportunities Essay Research Paper
Woman in the sixties have had many different roles than woman in the nineties. Life for woman has changed dramatically, to their advantage throughout the years. Today woman have gained many new rights and responsibilities, and now have equal opportunities as men.
Woman In Theater Essay Research Paper Woman
Woman In Theater Essay, Research Paper Woman In Theatre Woman in Greek theatre is something you just don t see. In fact woman were put in the same category as slaves. In this time of the gods, woman were forbid to play their own part in the famous thing we call Greek theatre. Taking the place of these women were testosterone driven men portraying the woman part with their own preconceived idea of how woman really are.
Latin American Influences On America Essay Research
Paper Latin America Latin America affects Florida, the Southwest and California in many ways. Three of the most obvious are food, holidays, and the people. These influences are mainly for the good though some can have negative influence as well.
Latin America Essay Research Paper Underdevelopment In
Latin America Essay, Research Paper Underdevelopment In Latin America A Paper to see if a paid attention in class One cause of underdevelopment in Latin America is unbalanced international trading. During the colonization in Latin America, the colonists, mostly Spain the only one witch we are studying at this time, exploited the natural resources for their own benefits.