by: Victoria Vega
Introduction
Societal standards and stereotypes often change throughout moments in time and it is becoming harder and harder to please society and its set expectations. These standards created by society form the idea of the perfect woman, thin yet curvy, perfect skin without a drop of makeup; these standards are what make women desirable to society. Society is poisoning us, to make us believe that there is something wrong with us if we do not match these unrealistic standards; making us women insecure instead of empowered. These standards are even more traumatic to Hispanic women, expected to have a perfectly natural hourglass figure, beautifully tanned skin, etc. As if it weren't enough having society telling us we are not perfect, it holds both men and women to a double standard. The presence of beauty standards and stereotypes for both men and women is seen in modern-day society but the film industry does not let us forget about it, instead it pushes these expectations even harder.
Scene from real women have curves where Ana tries to explain to her mother that she's beautiful no matter what her body looks like.
these images depicts the two extremes of the "cholo" or gang kid stereotype seen in modern day films
Eva Mendes a famous cuban actress who always falls victim to the hyper sexualization Latina women face within film.
Sofia Vergara who is always hyper sexualized but also is constantly made fun of for her stereotypical "spicy" attitude
Analysis
As a society we believe many stereotypes against minorities, this is because we are constantly fed stereotypical views within the films we watch. These classic roles that are seen in films highlights how society sees Latino men and women strip them from their true selfs only having them see what society believes them to be. The stereotypes do not just stop pretending through the screen but they carry into our lives due to the hyper sexualization in film of women, some now believe they have to dress more conservatively than their other colleagues. These stereotypes become even more evident when past presidents refer to latinos as gang members and makers of violence. Until, film and mainstream media quit feeding into the idea of said stereotypes latinos will never be able to live their lives freely without having to double back on any decisions.
work cited
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“'Hitch' Turns 15! Why the Will Smith and Eva Mendes Movie Is Timeless.” Me and My LifeStyle Blog, 12 Feb. 2020, https://meandmylifestyleblog.com/entertainment/hitch-turns-15-why-the-will-smith-and-eva-mendes-movie-is-timeless/.
Lindsay Geller Lindsay Geller is the Love & Life Editor at Women’s Health. “Sofia Vergara Just Launched a Size-Inclusive Denim Line Where Everything Costs Less than $40.” Women's Health, 2 Nov. 2021, https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a26135033/sofia-vergara-walmart-clothing-line/.
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Scene: "Real Women Have Curves" 2003 - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLeZ17B8o9k.