Who+is+the+story+about?

What is the story about?

This is a story about a female trying to overcome stereotype challenges of being a Latina. She describes many situations in her life where she was viewed stereotypically. Some of the common stereotype or myths about Latina’s are * Workers, ex: waitresses, housemaids “I too have on occasion been sent to that “kitchen,” where some think I obviously belong”

Cofer explains how Latinas are viewed as woman with very low education and only capable of doing simple jobs. She tells of how big and little screens portray funny Hispanic maids, mispronouncind words and cooking up spices in American kitchens.

* Sex objects or “sexual firebrand”

"Mixed cultures signals have perpetuated certain stereotypes-for example, that of the Hispanic woman as the "Hot Tamale" or sexual firebrand.

Here is the typical stereotype of what people think of latinas, that they are sex objects and are used to satisfy a man's lust. She explains how she was taught to dress differntly, and how this gives men the wrong idea. Ortiz Cofer shares her experiences of her first formal danse.

J. Antonio