Common Misconceptions About Latina Communities in the U.S.
As an ally to Latin communities in the U.S., it is essential to distinguish between misconceptions and reality. Here is your guide to understanding this growing population in the U.S.! Get involved with Latinicida to help support the advancement of Latina women across the country.
Misconception #1: Latin = Mexican
Reality: Latinos come from lots of different countries, not just Mexico. This assumption can be harmful to those from around the world. Did you know that only 65% of Latinos in the U.S. are Mexican? The rest may come from countries such as Argentina, Ecuador, Paraguay, El Salvador, Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, and many more.
Source: Buzzfeed, Pew Hispanic Report
Misconception #2: All Latinos look the same
Reality: Latinos can be brown, black, white, and everything. Migration patterns worldwide resulted in the "miscegenation" of Spaniards with native ethnic groups. There have been many other immigration booms such as this in a plethora of countries worldwide. Argentina received millions of Italians, Mexico received Germans, and Colombia received enslaved Africans looking to escape. Stereotyping how you expect someone with Latina roots to look is very offensive for Latinas with roots in different regions worldwide.
Misconception #3: Latinos are Uneducated
Reality: Latinicida is fighting against the unfair stereotype that Latin populations in the U.S. are uneducated and stuck working manual labor jobs. Quoting the Mexican Foreign Minister Claudia Ruiz Massies, "Mexico has the second-largest professional diaspora in the United States," which consists of lawyers, designers in Silicon Valley, medical professionals, and even Oscar winners. This applies to Latinos from Mexico and from other countries around the world that have come to the U.S. for the opportunity. This misconception is damaging to all Latinas working to advance their education and develop their professional careers here in the U.S.
Misconception #4: All Latinos are Immigrants
Reality: Many Latin families here in the U.S. have been here for decades. A large number of Cubans in the United States are political refugees. Puerto Ricans are all U.S. citizens, and the U.S.-born children of Latino immigrants aren't considered immigrants. Many Latin households paid "almost $124 billion in federal taxes, including individual and corporate income taxes, payroll taxes, and excise taxes, and almost $67 billion in state and local taxes," more than many U.S. citizens pay themselves. On top of this, economists have stated that the contributions of young Hispanics will keep the Social Security system strong.
Source: National Council of La Raza
Get Involved with Latinicida
At Latinicida, we fight against these misconceptions every day. With a team full of Latinas from different regions of the world, we understand the struggles with these stereotypes against our communities. We offer mentorship programs for Latinas looking to gain professional support or lend a helping hand to young Latina professionals. Get started with us today by applying to be a mentor, or mentee, or subscribing to our newsletter! We have plenty of different virtual events happening monthly for you to gain helpful insights on how to better your future as a Latina in the U.S.