Two Wise Latinas Show Their Pride

<a class="highslide" onclick="return vz.expand(this)" href="/sites/default/files/2009/07/7691-Wiselatinafinalkrisjpeg.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-1106" title="7691-Wiselatinafinalkrisjpeg" src="http://laprensa-sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/7691-Wiselatina…; alt="7691-Wiselatinafinalkrisjpeg" width="100" height="100"></a> In most of modern day media, Latinas have been stereotyped as hot-blooded, sexy, passionate and jealous spitfires quick to anger, burst out in rapid-fire Spanish when insulted or rip off their clothes whenever presented with the opportunity. At times, we’ve been shown having respectable, albeit service-oriented jobs such as maids or nannies, that is, if we weren’t portrayed as prostitutes or gang members. More recently, there’s been somewhat of a change, with Latinas on TV and in films being portrayed as police officers, nurses, and even now and then, a judge.
 Today, there’s a new Latina stereotype on the horizon. A most welcomed heroine, based in truth, is riding on a beautiful Latino/a wave of pride – The Wise Latina.
 Supreme Court Justice nominee Sonia Sotomayor, with a few quick raps of her gavel, has presented the world with a new view of being Latina that for many Latinas is a reality: Educated, professional, committed, community-minded, politically-aware, and brave. The Wise Latina.
 This is a new and improved stereotype and one that we absolutely love, embrace, and claim as our own.
 During her Senate confirmation hearings, Judge Sotomayor may have had to retract, revise, and review her intention in stating that a Wise Latina “with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life,” but that does not diminish the fact that Wise Latinas exist and that Judge Sotomayor’s very use of the words has given this vision of ‘Latinaness’ a breath of life.
 We love it so much that we’re in the process of organizing a Wise Latinas association that will offer Latinas an opportunity to meet and discuss issues that are important to all of us – politics, business, family, spirituality, finances, sex – An intellectual think tank for Latinas.
 We’ve also created the Wise Latina T-Shirt – that offers all Wise Latinas and those who love them, the platform to tell the world you are one Wise Latina! Details on the Wise Latina organization will be announced soon, but we hope you’ll join the movement to proclaim your place in this new world view with a Wise Latina T-shirt.
 Check out our webstite at <a href="http://www.wiselatinas.com/">www.WiseLatinas.com</a>.
 Our vision is that all Latinas claim their right as a Wise Latina, and show their decision to be one during this important historic time while Judge Sotomayor is in the confirmation process. We’re donating a portion of our proceeds to a Latina college student, to assist another Wise Latina in her education.
 The first case to be argued by Latino attorneys to the Supreme Court was in 1954, Hernandez vs State of Texas. Texas civil rights attorneys Gus Garcia and Carlos Cadena presented that one Pete Hernandez did not receive a fair trial in his home state because up to that time, there had never been a Latino on a Texas jury. Never. Not one Latino. Not one woman. Not one African American. The Supreme Court agreed; a decision that resonates today throughout the judicial system.
 What a difference five decades makes. Fifty-five years later, the first mixed raced President nominates the first Latino/a to take a seat on the highest court in our country. Decisions made by this court will have a profound effect on our lives and the lives of generations to come. We, as citizens of this great country, are all fortunate as to have a Wise Latina on this court, voicing her opinion.
 And, you bet we’re proud to be Wise Latinas!