Latinas Are Trashy On “Real Housewives Of Miami”

The reviews are in for “The Real Housewives of Miami” and, well, they’re not good. The Miami Herald’s Glenn Garvin gave a less-than-glowing review of the show, which apparently had its premiere recently. Here’s an excerpt from his review:

Perhaps with its keen insights into ethnography. (“The Latinos being island people, the attitude is fun. It’s like less clothes, music, kind of laid back,” notes one Housewife.) Or, maybe, its fearless feminist insistence that a patriarchal world not be allowed to stamp out women’s core values. (“I’m trying to have time for me, to work out, go shopping, look cute.”) Or its thoughtful perspective on the evolution of American family values. (“My mom’s a bigger bitch than yours!”) Or its revival of the lost art of conversation. (“What’s wrong with my boobs?”)

But best of all may be that The Real Housewives Of Miami will forever erase the unfair image that television has created of Miami as a corrupt hellhole of narco-traffickers, serial killers and transvestite porpoises. At last we will get recognition for our unacknowledged but indisputable achievements: Our indolent trashiness. Our incandescent superficiality. Our establishment, beyond the shadow of a scientific doubt, of the inverse ratio of breast silicon content and IQ points.

Ouch. But, then again, what did you expect? First of all, it’s “reality” TV, which is meant to make humans look like walking piles of trash. Or, at least U.S. humans. Secondly, I’m sure the producers of this show — along with the participants — are well aware of Latina stereotypes in this country and everyone involved is all-too-eager to play to type.

Overly sexualized Latinas? Check. Overly spicy Latinas? Check. Overly emotional? Check. Etc, etc, etc. I’m frequently told that I don’t “look” Latina, which I’m pretty sure is neither a compliment or nor an insult most of the time, but when I stop to think about what Latinas are “supposed” to look like, it makes me sad. Because, in truth, I know that what I’m “supposed” to look like has a lot to do with a tight dress hugging my curves with my cleavage spilling out as I wear red lipstick and speak in a deep, sultry voice and create drama. ¡Caliente!

Follow Sara Inés Calderón on Twitter @SaraChicaD.