[ACC25075]

Before someone brings up the ignorant stereotype of ‘machismo’ into this discussion, let me try to nip that in the bud. No, Latino culture(s) are not more sexist. ‘Machismo’ is a racist stereotype foisted on us by outsiders and was invented by an Anglo anthropologist in the 1940s to justify racism against Mexicans. Anyone doubting that should read The Meaning of Macho by Matt Guttman.

First, in Latin cultures, women traditionally have a much more independent role than in Anglo ones. You have ‘la calle y la casa’, the street and the home. Women are absolutely in charge in the home. Husbands hand over their paychecks and get an allowance from their wives. And in the street, men are allowed to “pretend” to be in charge, in order to save face.

Second, how does this play out into comments in the street? Men give out ‘piropos’ (literally ‘little gems’), compliments to get a woman’s attention that are supposed to be poetic, sometimes ludicrously so by Anglo standards. ‘Tienes ojos como la alba’ was what I would say when I was single. (‘You have eyes like the dawn.’) It has zero to do with the so-called ‘control’ you seem to be inventing.

Third, Latin women (at least in Latin America) generally don’t find comments or male attention uncomfortable or threatening. They are taught to be conscious of their bodies at an early age, and the warmer climate, less clothing and more intense chaperoning by their relatives all aid in that. They don’t fall apart at the slightest little perception of ‘harassment’ like some Anglo women (and perhaps you) do. They are not coddled and sheltered or assumed to be so weak that someone simply whistling at them should make them cringe in fear. I think it’s a far healthier attitude, one that enourages women to be strong and own their own sexuality, and I plan to pass that along to my daughters.

User Detail :  

Name : ACC25075, Gender : M, Race : Mexican and American Indian, Age : 38, City : Phoenix, State : AZ, Country : United States, Occupation : Teacher, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Lower middle class, 

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