A M'ija to Meet: Elena, Peruvian-Colombian-New Yorker

What I love about being Latina:  Even though I am realizing more and more that it is inadequate to try to put a label on people, especially a group as diverse in class, ‘race’, ethnicity, color, geographic location, generation and ideology as “Latinos,” I do like self-identifying as a Latina and being perceived as one for different reasons.  One is that the inherent ambiguity of what it is to be a Latina allows me to more easily break all preconceived stereotypes and challenge people’s notions of “Latino-ness” without compromising my identity.  I am vegetarian, multi-lingual, a dancer, a singer, a law student, a sister, a daughter, a New Yorker, Peruvian, Colombian, progressive, competitive, ambitious, socially conscious, raw-food loving, rice-disliking, alcohol-free, a world traveler, curious — and all of it adds to the richness of the evolving Latina identity.  In fact, I love being able to contribute to all of these identities. 

What I love about being Americana:  I love living here because I am close to my South American roots and get to travel there often.  I also like that by virtue of my being born in this country (the US) I contribute to the evolving notion of what it is to be a “US” Americana. 

My biggest challenge in growing up Latina in the US: is being pigeonholed into certain roles by virtue of being labeled “Latina,” by virtue of being a “woman” and a person who is noticeably non-white.  I had to overcome feelings of internalized racism when I grew up partially because I did not see any role models, media figures, or people in power who looked like me. 

My biggest support in growing up Latina in US:  School and the public library.  By learning about other non-Euro-centered ways of thinking I learned a lot about my own self-identification, my pre-conceived notions and prejudices.  Through critical theory, I continue to learn and re-evaluate my ways of thinking.  I question apparently benign-traditions and cultural norms.  While this may seem destabilizing to some, for me it has resulted in much more self-acceptance and creativity and drive to increase understanding between all peoples and of myself.

Why I am beautiful:  I am beautiful because I always try to think of how my actions will affect others and other sentient beings.  I don’t do drugs, don’t drink, eat as healthy as possible and meditate which allows me to see the true beauty in the simplest things.  I try to free myself from wastefulness and addictive behavior and this, I feel, has made me feel the most beautiful that I’ve ever felt in my life.