Have you ever watched the new hilarious TV Show “Modern Family” on ABC? If not, you are completely missing out because it's genius. Anyways, in the last episode Gloria, a Columbian woman played by the gorgeous Sofia Vergara, struggles (in a funny way) with her husband putting all Latin people together.
It got me thinking… I hate when people put us all Latinos in general as being part of one homogeneous cultural or ethnic group and/or having no defining characteristics; if a country of origin is specified, it is almost invariably either Mexico or Puerto Rico, regardless of whence the individual or group in question actually hails. Puerto Rican, Cubans, Jamaicans, Brazilians, Ecuadorian, Panamanians, Argentineans, Chileans and all of us Latinos are completely different. We come from different culture, we have different histories, we don’t have the same trades on our looks except for the fact that we are tan and some of us don’t even speak the same language. It is very disrespectful to stereotype us all together. It would be like saying that the British, the Canadians and the Americans are all the same because you all speak English.
I most point out that this is very common for Latinos/Hispanics but we are not the only one that are being put in the same mixing pot. The Asians (Korean, Chinese, Japanese, etc) must get this a lot too.
I really tend not to get mad since most of the people do make an honest mistake but still I can’t help rolling my eyes every time I hear, “but don’t you know how to make tacos?” or “how come you can’t handle tequila, don’t they grow it where you come from?”. Dumb people...
ps: I've been reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. So far, so good. I want to finish it before the movie comes out. What have you been reading?
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20 comments:
I LOVE that show! :) It's hilarious, and it goes where a lot of other shows won't. And yes, there is a big Asian pot that I get thrown into... Do you remember the episode where the pediatrician comes over for dinner and hits their garbage on her way out. Total stereotype that Asian women cannot drive (that luckily I don't fit into). ;) When I saw that, I thought "OH NO, they didn't just go there!" But of course, they had, and it was brilliantly funny.
You are so RIGHT. People stereotype South-east Asians too! Like Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka etc are COMPLETELY different in histories and culture. The only thing we share is a common geographical location and a dominant skin color.
I think that's very typical for all continents. How often doesn't (mostly Americans) say "So what is it like to live in Europe?" Well I can assure you that it's not the same in Sweden as it is in Spain or Poland...
But I think it's all about not knowing better, and not beeing rude. Or at least that's what I choose to think :)
haha... yeah I heard Latinos find it very offensive to be considered Mexican. makes sense though. If you called a Korean and Japanese they might get super offended or visa versa.
Eat, Pray, Love is next on my list to read. Let me know how it goes. :)
I hate being stereotyped too! Would you believe that someone said in an article that we could not be considered as "Asians" because my country is not as progressive as Japan, Korea and China? That sucks!
I am currently reading Tuesdays With Morrie. I've heard of that book too, maybe one day i'll get a copy.
I agree with you and as a matter of fact even the people in one country may have different cultural beliefs, like in our country. WE are all Filipinos but your beliefs may even be influenced by the norms of the province where you grew up.
Remember all kind of people may exist in a certain place and it's not right to judge people from where they came from.
MISHIERU: I am an Asian. Who is that someone? maybe he/she would also tell me that, because our country is as not progressive as Japan and China too. That really sucks!
i'm colombian and i WISH someone would group me together with sophia vergara. :)
<3 modern family
I love that show!!
I know of the term 'Latinos' (from American TV) but I'm assuming (and I could be wrong) that this is general term used for people from South America?
Is Latino's similar to people from portugal, spain, italy, france, ireland, germany etc. being called European because we're from Europe? Or is it more specific or derrogative?
Oh my gosh, you're a reader? Yes!! I just finished reading Songs of the Humpback Whales by Jodi Picoult. I'm about halfway through Eclipse (trying to finish it before the movie) and I'm reading a book (by the pool, where my Kindle is not allowed) Sweet Ruin.
I agree with you! Great comedy and I don't like stereotypes! it's a pity.
hhhmm i need a new book to read... i might have to check that one out... wonder if the local library would have it?!
ps. im following too! :-)
God Bless
<3
otm
HI!! Thanks for following my blog, you are too sweet! I am now a follower of yours :)
If you like modern family, you would probably like Parenthood.. I DVR it and watch it when I am feeding the baby in the middle of the night, and I really like it!
Emily Cross -- The word "Latinos" is not what bother me. What bothers me it's grouping us all together as if we had the same cultural behaviors.
Becca Christensen -- Great book! I'm a fan of the "old fashion" way to read. A book in hand and a hot chocolate! No kindle! lol
Overthinking Mama -- You can always try amazon.com
Angel -- Thanks for the suggestion, going to give it try! =)
I didn't know i had so many book worms! ;) lol
I do read, a lot! So I will keep you posted on my readings...
Hey same goes with white people as well!
This is a sign, I've heard about that book at least 3 times today. I need to read it now :-)
I have note watched a whole episode just one scene where Sofia walking in on the gay couple talking about "Columbians". He means Columbia University grad but she thinks its something else. LOL! I have to catch the reruns.
To the point of your post. I hate it to, the lumping of all Latinos together. Its just ignorance. Right now I think I'm most bothered by the insensitivity of my non-Latino friends & their support of the AZ law. I can't tell you how aggrivated their ignorance is but that's a story for another day.
I will add that book to my reading list. Right now I am reading Dead in Dallas, Book 2 of the Stookie Stackhouse series. I'm trying to get caught up for Season 3 of True Blood that starts in June. Almost there!
never saw modern family, but hear it's hilarious!
been wanting to read "eat pray love" hear it's an amazing book! think the author is from my area or something like that?
have a great night!
-Laury
Love, love, love this show! It's so funny and chaotic.
Thanks for commenting on my post the other day and for following.
Love your blog!
Ashley
www.smithjohnston.blogspot.com
Modern Family is the BEST show on TV! You are right when you say anyone not watching is missing out. Eat Pray Love is such a good read. When does the movie come out? I just finished reading Sarah's Key (totally recommend) and now into Shutter Island...spoooooky tales! :)
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