“You’re Latina? Since when?” “Where did you learn to speak Spanish so well?” What seemingly sound like innocent comments turn out to be words that cut deeper than knives. In a world where we have more Afro-Latina representation than ever from punk-rapping Rico Nasty to Academy Award-winning Lupita Nyong’o, we still encounter people who make us feel like aliens. We occasionally feel “othered” by insensitive comments or interactions that indirectly discriminate against us known as microaggressions. Although they are usually unintentional, these microaggressions make us want to hide in the corner or give us a strong urge to slap someone…Telenovela style of course. Here are a few that sound all too familiar:
#1: “But you don’t look Latina.”
Newsflash: Not every Latina looks like Sofia Vergara or Salma Hayek. We are not a bunch of J-Lo clones. Instead, the Latinx community is a radiant palette combined with diverse shades. Latinx is an ethnicity, not a race. Therefore, we can basically look like anything! We are a global community, whether we come from the streets of carnival in Brazil or the island of Puerto Rico.
#2: “Speak Spanish to prove it.”
Whether you speak or don’t speak Spanish or Portuguese, not being fluent in these languages does not make you any less Latino. What matters is knowing who you are. You don’t need others to validate the culture with which you grew up and identify.
#3: “You’re pretty, for a Black girl.”
Now, this one has definitely caused a few crying sessions while staring at a mirror. This statement translates to, “I don’t find Black people attractive, but you’re an exception.” Our Blackness is not inferior. We are beautiful, period! In fact, we are the blueprint for the human population today. Scientists have found that our African ancestors were the first humans to walk the Earth and that our DNA contains more genetic variability than anyone else on the planet! From being trendsetters to birthing the human race, there is no limit to our beauty.
#4: “I like your hair better when it’s straight.”
Cue excessive eye-rolling. This backhanded compliment usually comes after revealing a fresh new, straight hairdo, and it ruins our day almost every time. The remark implies that our African curls are not good enough compared to European straight hair. Just a reminder: your kinks and curls are exquisitely gorgeous regardless of what hairstyle you put them in.
#5: “You need to pick a side. You can’t be both.”
Yes, yes we can be both! Outsiders tend to box us within their stereotypes. However, we are a melting pot coming from different backgrounds. In fact, there are other Latinos that already have multiple identities: Asian Brazilian, Mexican American, European Cuban, French Haitian, and more!
Despite the increased recognition that these microaggressions are problematic, we still have a long way to go in educating others on why they make us uncomfortable. In the words of the vivacious Celia Cruz, La Vida Es un Carnival and Happy Latinx Heritage Month!