Puerto Rican Stereotype: The Way You See Me Without Looking At Me

"Throughout my life, I have met lots of people that have never experienced meeting or getting to know a Puerto Rican woman. I have had some people admit to me their feelings on what they thought a Puerto Rican woman looked and acted like. Puerto Rican Stereotype: The Way You See Me Without Looking At Me  is a satirical painting on the false information given to me by the media and other life experiences. The bowl of fruit on the head represents my childhood memories of Hollywood's 'Carmen Miranda' portrayal of women from Spanish-Speaking backgrounds. The tray in the hands is also from Hollywood's prevalent image of Puerto Rican women as domestic help. The bold colors show the stereotype of loudness that is assumed as to how Puerto Rican women dress. The obvious colorful female genitalia shows the Puerto Rican woman's place in society as ornaments."

Soraida Martinez

© Copyright 1992