11.21.09
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Latina Mothers In America

by Carla Molina Martins | 10.26.2009 | 5:00pm | 3 Comments
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Like many Latinos, I gave up some of my favorite prime time television to check out Soledad O'Brien's CNN special Latino in America. I've been excited for this special since word first got out about it and it didn't disappoint. I think it gave a solid picture of what a diverse people we are and how diverse our experience is. Do I think any new ground was covered? No. But the show served as a great reminder of the strides we've made and how much more work lies ahead of us.

I never like watching the negative stories about the Latino experience. I know they are a reality for many but it's aggravating and feels as though sometimes it's all we see. As an optimist, I appreciated the balance reached by showcasing Latinos who've overcome obstacles and achieved success. These positive stories got me thinking, "How come we don't hear more positive stories about Latinos? Not about Eva Longoria or George Lopez, but about normal, everyday folks doing great things?"

Then I thought about all the amazing Latina mothers I know, in real life and on the web, and wondered why no one is sharing their stories. These women are pursuing their dreams, running businesses, raising the next generation of Latinos, passing on our language, keeping our customs alive. I've decided it's time Latina mothers got a little bit of the spotlight. Here's the plan: Every other week, I will feature a Latina mom who is doing her thing and sets an example of a successful mami. If you fall into this category, send me an email at mamidiaries@latina.com. Please include photos, videos and anything that will help support your story so we can share it on The Mami Diaries.

Let's spread the good news!

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3 Comments
soniac
10.28.2009
8:44am
Like many Latinos, my husband and I also gave up some of our favorite prime time shows to watch the Latino special on CNN. Unlike you, however, we were appalled and disappointed to see this "special" prime time report about how Latinos are doing in America. To us, it was both misleading and it further portrayed the stereotypical Latinos that many of the American public has in mind. The successful Latinos that she portrayed were very few and were called the exception when this is definitely far from the truth. Ms. O'Brien could have easily done her homework and portrayed the hardworking Latinos who actuallly are making a difference in our communities. Instead, she looked for the struggling pregnant teenager, the gangster dad, and the family with identity crisis. As you mention in your piece above, "How come we don't hear more positive stories about Latinos?" If more Latinos such as Ms. O'Brien would help our cause rather than set us back, maybe we could hear more positive stories about Latinos. It's time to set the record straight and show America that we are intelligent, law abiding citizens who are both proud of our heritage and proud to be Americans.
soniac
10.28.2009
8:44am
Like many Latinos, my husband and I also gave up some of our favorite prime time shows to watch the Latino special on CNN. Unlike you, however, we were appalled and disappointed to see this "special" prime time report about how Latinos are doing in America. To us, it was both misleading and it further portrayed the stereotypical Latinos that many of the American public has in mind. The successful Latinos that she portrayed were very few and were called the exception when this is definitely far from the truth. Ms. O'Brien could have easily done her homework and portrayed the hardworking Latinos who actuallly are making a difference in our communities. Instead, she looked for the struggling pregnant teenager, the gangster dad, and the family with identity crisis. As you mention in your piece above, "How come we don't hear more positive stories about Latinos?" If more Latinos such as Ms. O'Brien would help our cause rather than set us back, maybe we could hear more positive stories about Latinos. It's time to set the record straight and show America that we are intelligent, law abiding citizens who are both proud of our heritage and proud to be Americans.
soniac
10.28.2009
8:43am
Like many Latinos, my husband and I also gave up some of our favorite prime time shows to watch the Latino special on CNN. Unlike you, however, we were appalled and disappointed to see this "special" prime time report about how Latinos are doing in America. To us, it was both misleading and it further portrayed the stereotypical Latinos that many of the American public has in mind. The successful Latinos that she portrayed were very few and were called the exception when this is definitely far from the truth. Ms. O'Brien could have easily done her homework and portrayed the hardworking Latinos who actuallly are making a difference in our communities. Instead, she looked for the struggling pregnant teenager, the gangster dad, and the family with identity crisis. As you mention in your piece above, "How come we don't hear more positive stories about Latinos?" If more Latinos such as Ms. O'Brien would help our cause rather than set us back, maybe we could hear more positive stories about Latinos. It's time to set the record straight and show America that we are intelligent, law abiding citizens who are both proud of our heritage and proud to be Americans.

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