The criticism culture within the Latina community is as present as ever. Who hasn’t experienced comments about their weight, height, hairstyle, clothes, likes… you name it. For some reason, our moms and tias grew up in a culture where it was okay to voice their opinion. And about anything. So now, they feel that they can tell you how to do things or how wrong you’re doing them already. In my family, I have noticed a pattern of negative perspectives not only about the self but most things. Fortunately, the new generation is better at detecting this toxic behaviors and thoughts.
In the US, the Latina community is known for its strong sense of community and mutual support. However, it is also important to address a less positive aspect that may exist within this community: the culture of criticism. In this post, we will explore how the culture of criticism affects Latinas and how we can work together to foster an environment of support and empowerment.
The Impact of the Criticism Culture
The culture of criticism can have a detrimental effect on the self-esteem and confidence of Latina women. How can you feel secure on your abilities? Especially when others comment on all the things you can be doing better. It’s honestly rare to hear compliments from older Latinas. And that’s the sad part. Criticism comes from other members of the Latina community, which can make women feel judged and belittled. This can lead to constant comparison with others and a feeling of not being good enough. Not to mention that these comments are often comparing us to others already.
Cultural Roots
It is important to recognize that the culture of criticism may have its roots in cultural aspects ingrained in the Latina community. Social and cultural expectations can influence how Latina women perceive and judge themselves and others. I don’t think I have ever heard my mom or her older sisters say anything positive about themselves. Al contrario, you can often hear them minimizing their own work or achievements. For them, accepting compliments or talking about their achievements meant they were bragging about themselves. That was viewed as something negative. Even taking care or “caring too much” about one’s appearance was seen as vain and as an undesirable trait.
On the other hand, having “unos kilitos de más” meant you would be forever critisized by your family and friends. And you might even get a few nicknames based on your weight. You just can’t win. Criticism culture seems to be ingrained in their brain.
Even when I was pregnant and my body was changing, something I couldn’t control, I received negative comments about my body. One of the struggles of being a pregnant Latina
Breaking the Cycle of Criticism
Us. The new generation of Latinas, have worked on breaking many unproductive cycles. Some that have been in our families for many generations, including the criticism culture. I heard both my abuelitas talk negatively about themselves since I was a little kid. One of them often criticized other people. More like everyone… I’m guessing they learned at least part of it from their moms and them from past generations.
Let’s break the cycle of the criticism and foster an environment of support and empowerment within the female Latina community. We can do so by through education and awareness about the negative effects of constant criticism. But also by teaching our sons and daughters something different. Something more positive. Stats tell us that Latinos will be the majority is a couple of decades. I’m hoping these future generations inherit better traits than we have. Also, that they continue to improve and break negative cycles. It is important to promote empathy and mutual respect among Latina women, recognizing that each one has their own unique experience.
And please, let’s stop comparing each other!
Promoting Empowerment, not Criticism
Instead of focusing on criticism, let’s promote empowerment within the female Latina community. I have seen so many Latinas working to do so recently. When I first came to the US, this wasn’t really a thing. And coming from Mexico, I can tell you most women there aren’t being empowered to grow and support each other
Latina empowerment involves recognizing and celebrating the individual achievements and strengths of each woman. Like I said, let’s stop comparing each other. Success looks different for everyone. Maybe I want to be a stay at home mom. Achieving that means being successful. If my friend’s idea of success is working in an office Monday – Friday and she can do that, then SHE is winning. But it doesn’t mean I have to do the same to win, too. The criticism culture hinders our progress. Why not encourage Latina women to be authentic and develop their own sense of identity and worth?
Support and Solidarity
I can tell you that the Latina/o community in the Tri-Cities is definitely growing. From my experience, the community was pretty divided in the mid 2000’s. But the Latina community has the power to be a source of support and solidarity. Not only here, but everywhere. Instead of criticizing each other, we can provide emotional support and encourage Latinas to pursue our goals and dreams. By working together, we can build a stronger and more united community where all women feel valued and appreciated.
It will be hard to help our moms and tias understand this. But, the change can start with us.
Para Terminar:
The criticism culture within the Latina community can be detrimental to women’s self-esteem and confidence. However, by educating ourselves and promoting empowerment and mutual support, we can break this cycle and foster a culture of solidarity and appreciation. Even in our small community in Tri-Cities. Together, Latinas can create an environment where everyone feels safe and empowered to be themselves and reach their full potential.
