A M’ija to Meet: Claudia, Dominican

September 20, 2007 at 1:51 am 6 comments

What I love about being Latina: Mi gente, y nuestra cultura.

What I love about being Americana: Growing up learning that only I can limit myself.My biggest challenge in growing up Latina in America: Being a walking encyclopedia and explaining Latin culture while demystifying stereotypes. It’s hard work to explain why and how there can be a Latino/a that looks like Sammy Sosa and Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman) in the same family.My biggest support in growing up Latina in America: Mi mami, que en paz descanse.

Why I am beautiful: I’m happy in my skin.

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The Women of Hijas Americanas 10 Between 20 and 30

6 Comments Add your own

1. Raquel Michel | October 8, 2007 at 8:33 am

preach on girlie! Keep doing what you are doing!
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2. Thomas Cruz | April 28, 2008 at 6:15 pm

Great to hear about all your recent success & accomplishments. All the best.

-tcruz
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3. Fridda Corletto | August 18, 2009 at 12:53 pm

You are an inspiration cousin!
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4. Tammy | January 20, 2010 at 3:01 pm

cool stuff, mija. U keep it real at all times and that’s why I love & respect you, ma.
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5. Tammy | January 20, 2010 at 3:02 pm

U keep it real at all times, ma, and that’s why I love and repsect you, C. And the pic is so cute! )
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6. Tammy | January 20, 2010 at 3:06 pm

C keeps it real at all times and is just one cool mija. I love u girlie! Keep doing like you do, boo.
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In a Bookstore Near You

What does it mean to be beautiful in America? For years, pop culture has insisted that beautiful women are tall, thin, and blonde. So what do you do if your mirror reflects olive skin, raven hair, and a short build? Hijas Americanas: Beauty, Body Image, and Growing Up Latina offers a provocative account of the struggles and triumphs of Latina forced to reconcile these conflicting realities. Rosie Molinary combines her own experience with the voices of hundreds of Latinas who grew up in the US navigating issues of gender, image, and sexuality. This empathetic ethnography exemplifies the ways in which our experiences are both profoundly individualistic and comfortingly universal.