#latingirlproblems

 I was told by many that by naming my future daughter anything

Latino “sounding” like mine would be the worst decision for her future

The name would essentially hinder any opportunities throughout her lifetime

And as these words echoed across the room

My mind began drifting and as I pondered I thought to myself

Is there not a hint of faith left in humanity

We are relentlessly told to alter our appearance for acceptance 

And in many instances we do so in vain

But now to worry about a name for further acknowledgement 

Must I distance my unborn children from what defines me most

As the only alternative towards progression

And though this apparent advice seemed to lack ill intent

I was being told unconsciously to hide a sense of pride with my culture

To shame the passing of traditions, customs, and lifestyles held generations

Instinctively suggesting their distinctive qualities as less desirable

Reflexively implying success is to not be ones self but another self 

If my child were to ever ask about the inspiration behind their name

I would be compelled to say, it was for your own good mi hija

We must begin to strip our distinctiveness to successfully integrate

And in this moment of contemplation and thought it became evident

It should not be the responsibility of a name to determine fate

But instead the person carrying the name that fulfills it

I was told by many that by naming my future daughter anything

Latino “sounding” like mine would be the worst decision for her future

Yet if my child were to ever ask about the inspiration behind their name

I would be privileged to say, there is a story behind it mi hija

And you should never feel constrained to forget where you come from

Nor obliged to embrace any outward rejection against your heritage

Even as impressionable as you may become

For what is truly hindering is not in the Latino name itself as advised

It’s unfortunate to encounter others who express shock about your racial, ethnic, and/or cultural identity, so they make insensitive statements.

Sound Familiar?

“But you don’t look Latina.”

Hmmmm….really? What exactly is the “Latina” look? Don’t be fooled by the same images you constantly see of Latinas in the media. There is no one particular physical appearance. Latinas actually come in different shades, have different hair textures, and have different physical characteristics. It is offensive to question ones identity because you aren’t aware of our diversity.

“Is that your biological mother or father? You look different.”’

Wow! Why would you ask that? That’s kind of personal. Just because your biological mother or father may not share the exact same physical features as you, doesn’t mean you aren’t related by blood. Perhaps you should travel to Latin America; you will see people in the same family that range in many beautiful skin tones, eye colors, hair textures, etc. 

“You must be mixed because you are definitly not Latina!.”

Get over it! You must remember that there is diversity in being Latina. Whether you are a light, fair, medium, or dark-skinned Latina, your ancestry could reflect Spanish, African, Indigenous, European, Asian, as well as other groups.  

“Why do you speak Spanish? How do you know the language?”

On this series of journeys, Professor Gates celebrates the massive influence of millions of people of African descent on the history and culture of Latin America and the Caribbean, and considers why and how their contribution is often forgotten or ignored.

This is a full episode from Cuba's slave past to the casinos of Havana to the rise of Castro.

While I would've wanted more information and possibly another perspective, after watching all episodes this is only the beginning of such movement to spread knowledge about the complexity yet beautiful diversity of Latin America.  Other countries included in other episodes include Mexico, Peru, and Dominican Republic