October 8

The Myth of the Latin Woman Response.

After reading the essay in the text, answer questions 1, 2, and 4. Be thorough and proofread for run-ons, fragments and comma splices.

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Posted October 8, 2012 by tashak38 in category Uncategorized

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I live in the San Francisco Bay Area--Big Up to the East Bay

66 thoughts on “The Myth of the Latin Woman Response.

  1. Maliko Pearson-Chock

    Maliko P.
    10/08/12
    period: 02
    Ms. Keeble

    l)The thing that all three incidents that occurred had in common were that they were all racist incidences or stereotypes that were directed towards the Latina community.
    2) the different types of Latinas Cofer is referring to when she talks about mainstream Angelo-American are the “Maria’s” which our well not for there physical appearance and feisty attitudes. There are also those who “uneducated” and are perceived as nothing more than a common whore based on the way they culture suggests they dress in and Last there are the domestics and criminals. The point Cofer in making about classification is that it is wrong and discriminative to do to any ethnicity, gender, color of skin, etc.
    4)I would be lying if I said I have never perceived anyone in any way because of a certain aspect of them self, but then again I believe that anyone who says they haven’t would be lying.I think it in our nature to judge others based on what we’ve seen or experienced in our lives, maybe the way we go about it is wrong, but it is natural. For example this weekend I went to a friend of mines house. Me being the judgmental person I am, assumed that him and his family lived in a large house because he attends a very expensive private school. Turns pout his house was not much bigger than mine and that they are actually doing worst than a high income family in my mind would be doing considering the fact that both his parents have good jobs (doctor and a professional masseuse). They were behind on a few bill, which I did not even knew happened with people like them. This took me from my closed minded thoughts to see the bigger picture, that all families can go through social hardships regardless of the rank in society.

    Reply
  2. Bilguun B.

    Bilguun Batdorj

    Ms. Keeble

    AP Eng 11

    Oct 8,2012

    1. All three of the incidents that faced Judith were of ignorant judgement based on her race. Those individuals treated Judith on the way she looked like stereotypically.
    2. Judith states that in our society we perceive Latina women as sexual objects, uneducated or as hardworking laborers in which is untrue. Judith points out that general classification based on a person’s looks is almost always wrong. Like how she was perceived to be a waitress when in fact she was a educated writer.
    4. Unfortunately, general classifications will never go away as long as variation exists in our society. If you’re a cop and you see a bunch of Harley motorcyclists with long beards, you would assume they’re up to no good. General classification is although necessary for survival so we humans can make logical actions.

    Reply
  3. Rebekah N.

    Rebekah N
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English 11, Period 5
    8 October 2012

    1. The scene’s on the bus, at the hotel, and at the poetry reading were direct example’s of how citizen’s have created stereotypes of latina women.
    2. Cofer refers to Latina women as “whore, domestic, or criminal” in mainstream Anglo-American culture. Also, these women are viewed as sex symbol’s who wear red and dance provocatively. This shows lack of knowledge towards one’s culture and even the ignorance one has acquired over the years.
    3. I tend to judge people based on how they present themselves Physically. Yes I do understand that many people have mastered the art of covering their sadness with a smile but I find my self digging deeper into those facial expressions that one may portray as I am observing them. Although this is an inadequate way of judging the lives many may choose to live, because of the religious household I was brought up in and the tragic events that have come henceforth I usually feel obligated to stop, observe ones actions, facial expressions, and body language, before approaching them with the attitude I may present to them myself.

    Reply
  4. Kiala A.

    Kiala Aranas
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English 11, per. 5
    8 October 2012

    1. The incidents on the bus, at the hotel, and at the poetry reading, are all perfect examples of the internalization about specifically Latina women that has been integrated into mainstream society.
    2. Cofer mentions some of the many kinds of Latinas recognized by mainstream Anglo-American culture, such as the the housemaid, the counter girl, the Maria, or the Evita. Each of those “kinds” of Latina women represent a different side of the Latin culture, amplified to the extent that society now is blinded by those “kinds” to see anything other than that.
    4. In all honesty, I precieve people as well as I can read them, which includes but is not limited to: their attire, their visage, and their approach. Although limiting oneself to snap judgements is indeed small minded, its inate behavior. What makes the difference is that whatever presumption I had made before meeting the person all goes out the window once that person open his or her mouth to speak. From then on, it is the content of his or her charater that will dictate the further extent of our friendship. The world can live without these snap judgements, but to achieve that goal is all part of a complicated web of racial issues that has spun itself from the beginning of society.

    Reply
  5. Amacalli Duran

    Amacalli D.
    AP English
    Ms. Keeble
    9 October 2012

    1. The incidents on the bus, in the hotel, and at the poetry reading are all similar because the author experienced being a victim of prejudice views and stereotypes.
    2. According to the Anglo-American culture, Latina has a variety of definitions.
    Latina refers to the typical “Maria” who is a maid, cook, uneducated being, or sex emblem.
    4. I subconsciously judge people by their appearance. As I see people, I view and scrutinize their clothing, their hair, and their make-up (of they wear it). I criticize practically every aspect of their appearance, not because it brings me any form of happiness or satisfaction but because I find it to be a natural instinct. I also judged and perceive people by how they talk. Just the other day in my meeting, a person shared their ideas with the group and I couldn’t help but wince every time she uttered the wrong verb tense or article. From that moment, I continued to judge her on how she spoke. These judgments were absolutely unnecessary but I created them so I could believe I had a better understanding of her. Snap judgments are not needed or vital at all, but we live with them because it allows us, as people, to feel as though we have gained a better understanding of another.

    Reply
  6. Yarelli Lopez

    Yarelli Lopez
    Ms. Kebble
    Ap English lang. & composition
    8 October 2012

    1) The incidents that appear on the bus, in the hotel, and at the poetry reading are all in common because they have stereotypes that attack Judith Ortiz Cofer and her culture.

    2)Latinas and mainly everyone of color are looked at as if they are being raised to be maids or house wives that have very little education. In the mainstream of Anglo-American culture, sometimes woman of color are thought of a sex symbols that are only good for giving pleasure to the men. Judith brings out that many latinas like her and my self are sometimes judged with no excuse what so ever perhaps only to make the person feel inferior.

    4) I believe that everyone has judged at least one person before actually getting to know the person. It is just a part of todays world. All of this stereotypes sometimes influence you in a way to persuade you to view things a certain way and perhaps when you see someone that is representing a certain “stereotype” you might judge them without even thinking. Essentially what i’m trying to say is that judging people has become a part of our daily lives and it is something that you do unconsciously.

    Reply
  7. Yarelli Lopez

    Yarelli Lopez
    Ms. Kebble
    Ap English lang. & composition
    8 October 2012

    1) The incidents that appear on the bus, in the hotel, and at the poetry reading are all in common because they have stereotypes that attack Judith Ortiz Cofer and her culture.

    2)Latinas and mainly everyone of color are looked at as if they are being raised to be maids or house wives that have very little education. In the mainstream of Anglo-American culture, sometimes woman of color are thought of a sex symbols that are only good for giving pleasure to the men. Judith brings out that many latinas like her and my self are sometimes judged with no excuse what so ever perhaps only to make the person feel inferior.

    3) I believe that everyone has judged at least one person before actually getting to know the person. It is just a part of todays world. All of this stereotypes sometimes influence you in a way to persuade you to view things a certain way and perhaps when you see someone that is representing a certain “stereotype” you might judge them without even thinking. Essentially what i’m trying to say is that judging people has become a part of our daily lives and it is something that you do unconsciously.

    Reply
  8. Jhoann B.

    Jhoann B.
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English Period 2
    8 October 2012

    1. The incidents on the bus, in the hotel, and at the poetry reading all express Cofer’s experiences as a Latina woman and reveal the stereotypical reactions people have towards women of Latin culture.

    2. Cofer exhibits that Anglo-American culture inaccurately judges and disrespects Latin society through offensive stereotypes. The manifestation of a made-up “Maria” in mainstream Anglo-American culture, for example, embodies the false labels placed upon the Latin culture, portraying Latinas as housemaids or counter girls who cook spicy food and often pronounce words incorrectly. The traditions of Latinas are also interpreted negatively, attracting unwanted sexual reactions from men. By making explicit her observations of how others classify people like her, Cofer points out that classification in society are offensive constructs encouraged by public ignorance.

    4. Honestly speaking, I tend to perceive and judge others by their appearances like innumerable people in society. When I was in middle school, for example, there was this girl in my class whose possessions were all from expensive brands, including Coach, BCBGMAXAZRIA, H&M, Apple, etc. I assumed that she was rich based on the things she had. However, in the middle of the school year, she informed me that she would be moving because her family was dealing with economic hardships. Even though judging people is taught to be immoral, a lot of people continue to make assumptions about other people and is a pervasive aspect of our community. I think that we can live without these kinds of snap judgments, and even though it seems hard to eliminate the stereotypes that plague our society, it is something that we should aim for regardless of its difficulty.

    Reply
  9. Angelica G

    1. What I found in common in the three different incidents was that the people were making judgments based on stereotypes, and were assuming that the author fit them.
    2. Different kinds of Latinas that Cofer says are recognized by mainstream Anglo-American culture are the ones mispronouncing words, the ones that are made for men’s entertainment, and the ones that belong in the kitchen. The author makes a point stating that classifications in general can often be wrong, and in some cases can be offensive towards the person being judged.
    4. I usually perceive people based on how they act or their reputations. It would take a lot of effort to try and live without these snap judgments, but I think that no mater how hard we try, we will always judge one another. People can say that they will not judge others, but in my point of view, someone will always judge someone, even if they don’t try to. We can live with them, because that is what I see happening everyday. Some people take it to the extreme and actually fight over it, but I, personally, do not take other’s comments and criticism so serious. I can make a snap judgment whenever I please to, but when I get to know a person better, I leave my mind open to have a different opinion about that person. I think it is possible to live with judgments as we are all quite use to it, as we experience it in our everyday lives.

    Reply
  10. Desiree N.

    Desiree Negrette

    Ms. Keeble

    AP English 11

    8 October

    1) All three incidents on the bus, in the hotel,and at the poetry reading, had the use of stereotypes towards Judith. People called her Maria just because she was latina. Other people thought she should be working as a waitress.

    2) In the Anglo-American culture, Latinas are considered to be sex symbols and maids. In the American culture, Latinas are looked down upon. Te observation Judith makes is that people who classify others are mostly wrong and make irrational assumptions.

    4) I know I make snap judgements all the time. I judge by appearence most of the time, I look at how people present themselves. For example, I saw a guy who didn’t wash his hair and wore the same clothes almost everyday, I assumed he was poor or he didn’t care about the way people saw him. Another time this girl wore coach shoes and bags and had a gold watch, I assumed her family was wealthy. We can live with these snap judgements, we just have to make sure it doesn’t get to far. We have to except that these assumptions we are making could be wrong; which they mostly are. If we didn’t have these snap judgements, we wouldn’t have any way of judging someone without knowing them, we couldn’t describe them.

    Reply
  11. Kiana Ledda

    Kiana Ledda
    Keeble
    AP English, Per. 5
    8, October 2012

    1.) The incidents on the bus, in the hotel, and at the poetry reading were all similar because people were stereotyping Cofer by her appearance. On the bus, a man had the audacity to sing to her and call her Maria, referring to the movie, “Westside Story”. In the hotel, another man was insulting her by calling her Evita and was singing “La Bamba”. Finally, Cofer felt discriminated when a lady thought that Cofer was a waitress.
    2.) In the mainstream Anglo-American culture, many Latinas are recognized by their appearance. For instance, many Latinas are judged based on how they look very mature for their age. Another way some Latinas are recognized are by the way they dress because they dress very mature and their style is very different from American culture. Lastly, many Latinas are recognized by their stereotypical name, “Maria”.
    4.) I would be lying if I said that I have never judged anybody based off of their appearance. I don’t think anybody could not “judge a book by its cover”. Being a young lady of color, I get asked questions all the time about my Filipino heritage. To be honest, I am very “Americanized” so I don’t have the knowledge of my cultural background. To judge someone by their appearance, where they live, etc. is inevitable. We all do it.

    Reply
  12. Phuong-My N.

    Phuong-My N.
    Keeble
    AP English, Per. 2
    8 October 2012

    Response to “The Myth of the Latin Woman”
    1. The incidents on the bus, in the hotel, and at the poetry reading in “The Myth of the Latin Woman” have one thing in common: the different stereotypes of Latinas.
    2. The different kinds of Latinas Cofer says are recognized in mainstream Anglo-American are the uneducated sex symbols, the working, non-English speaking women, and the criminals. By making explicit her observations of how others classify people like her, the point she makes about classification in general is that you cannot change the way people look and think about you. The transformation has to occur individually! We all look at someone and think things about them just based on their appearance and race. Yet that is all we know about them. We judge without making the effort to get to know the person.
    4. To be honest, I still make assumptions about people I don’t know based on their appearance or race. I know I shouldn’t, but I still do. For example, if I were to see someone walking around school in Jordans, True Religion jeans and Hollister, I would think they were rich. Not everyone can afford name brands, and if you rock them, you must have some type of money! I honestly don’t think we can live without these types of snap judgments just because it’s been around since forever, and if everything were to change now, it would take a long time to get used to.

    Reply
  13. Jasmine J.

    Jasmine
    AP English 11 1st Period
    8 October 2012

    1. There were three incidents, one on the bus, one at the hotel, and another at the reading, in which the author felt as if she was being stereotyped because of her ethnicity and look.

    2. Women of a Hispanic or Latina ethnicity tend to be stereotyped as the maid, whores, cooks, maid, domestic, or waitresses. The author shows how these aren’t individual or original ideas but culturally based and illustrated throughout the community or media. She talks about how although they are viewed as such by the Anglo-American society, that’s not necessarily the case. Each culture is different and in their culture, the way the dress, speak, and act is normal and acceptable. Nobody thinks anything of it; but because it differs from our culture, we judge it and make presumptuous comments about it.

    4. I must admit, I’ve made judgments and generalizations about people based upon their looks, race, and gender. I don’t try to, it’s just my first impression of the person; it’s the first thought that comes to mind. After my initial judgment, I attempt to give the person the benefit of doubt and judge them based upon their actions instead of their appearance. An example is I can see a male, dressed in baggy clothes and gang colors. My initial assumption is that he’s a gangbanger, ignorant, doesn’t care about school, and overall isn’t anything but trouble. He could be the complete opposite. He could be wearing those clothes because they’re hand-me-downs and he can’t afford any other clothes. He could be the most articulate and ambitious student in his school. He may not be associated with a gang whatsoever. Because of his appearance however, I assumed the wrong things. That all goes back to you can’t judge a book by its cover. You may not know nor understand the circumstances that surround the situation at hand.

    Reply
  14. David D.

    David .D
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English
    Period 2
    08 October 2012
    1. What all the incidents had in common was that they were all stereotypes towards Latinas. The stereotypes were about their culture, the way they looked, where they came from and about their skin color.
    2. The way Latinas were looked at were uneducated, maids, sluts and should always be in the kitchen. Here I can see that Judith doesn’t like any of the stereotypes made up about here culture. Her goal is to make people see the reality about Latinas; she doesn’t want here culture to be looked down upon, in addition she doesn’t want people to make assumptions about her culture just by looking at stereotypes.
    4. I’ve judged people many times on the way they look and the way they act; but I never assume my judgments are facts until I get to know the person. Honestly I don’t think this generation would be able to live without making assumptions about people; because it has become a habit. For example if a little kid saw a homeless guy smoking weed and talking non sense; the kid would assume that the homeless man may be dangerous therefore the little kid stays away from him. I just say that this generation will always be using this nasty habit.

    Reply
  15. Ryan C.

    Ryan C.
    10/8/12
    Ap English
    Period 1

    1. All three of these incidents all involve hipanic stereotypes and hispanic culture clash with American. These incidents correspond with the authors feelings about hispanic stereotypes and her being hispanic.

    2. In there culture they dress for special events and not for the reasons that we think. Her point is that we shouldn’t classify people by experience or stereotypes.

    4. People that I know and I always perceive people in a certain way. The way I people that dress so called “ghetto”. It’s not the way we identify ghetto people, but the way others classify them, “losers of life”. Oakland is a well known example of how we judge, people always look down at someone and people that say that they are from Oakland. I think we cannot live without them because it is natural for people to do so. So in all we have to live with them.

    Reply
  16. Mercedes Gore

    Mercedes Gore
    AP English
    Ms. Keeble
    10-08-12

    1.The thing that they had in common is that men approached her with offensive words, and calling her names that were not even hers. They also were being normal about their rudeness; they were approaching her with no shame of what they were saying. These incidents were also the same for the fact that they all made judgments about her. 2.He said that some Anglo-Americans described some Latinas as being a whore, domestic, or criminal because they were struggling with no job or education. That most people will approach her with their mind set on stereotypes which can come off as offensive. 4.There can be many judgments made about where someone lives, like if they live in Oakland people automatically think that the person is dangerous and scary. This is not always true, because it is just a judgment someone made that just held on. I think that we can live without these judgments because they could just hurt someone’s feelings and others hurtful stereotypes. These stereotypes some people cannot live without because they rely on these stereotypes because that is all they know, they do not understand that they are just stereotypes nothing else.

    Reply
  17. Rachel N

    Rachel N.
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English Language & Composition
    9 October 2012

    1) The incidents on the bus, in the hotel, and at the poetry reading share common ground as being racist and judgmental based on what type of clothes they wear. All of these happenings illustrate that people from all over the world can view Latina women as promiscuous because of the type of clothing they wear. It is an ignorant judgment that has caused various women to feel hurt and insulted numerous times.

    2) The different kinds of Latinas that are recognized in main-stream Anglo-American culture are Hispanic women and and also women from Latin America. The author makes clear cut points about classification in general by stating that when one views a Latin women’s style of dress, it is so colorful, different, and a little more fitting than usually seen, that their motives for wearing that style of clothing is for promiscuous reasons. Instead of understanding and enlightening ourselves about why they express themselves that way, we only use knowledge from our own personal experiences to make a judgment.

    4) It is easy when I see a similar group of people doing similar things together to make a judgment about it. It takes compassion and empathy to take time out to learn about someone else. It’s easier to just think of my own conclusion than just being considerate. Towards Latina women, I can view them as promiscuous due to how they dress or act, but then again there is proof of all women being like that. We can live without these snap judgments by putting ourselves aside and getting to know the other person before making an assumption. No, we cannot live with them because then they continue to build a type of culture that degrades certain types of people out of ignorance.

    Reply
  18. Canyon R

    Canyon Riley
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English 11
    8 October 2012

    1). All those incidents are related because Latinas are not taken seriously and are perceived to be very sexually. On the bus, a man sings a Spanish song in hopes to appeal to Cofer. In the hotel, a man makes fun of “La Bamba” by replacing the lyrics with offensive ones about a girl named Maria. And at the poetry reading, a woman mistakes Cofer for a waitress.

    2). Latinas that are recognized in Anglo- American culture are seen as being explicit. Throughout the essay, “Maria” is seen as this sexually attractive woman who spends most of her time in the kitchen or as a maid. To Cofer, classification in general is foolish considering that we are all humans.

    4). As humans, we cannot live without these judgments because they add some sort of comfort for us. For example, you can make the assumption that everyone in jail is a criminal because we are taught that jail is a horrible place. But, there are times when someone is incarcerated wrongfully. Another example is that our US Army do not open fire on foreign citizens when they are trying to find the insurgents. This is false because they sometimes mistake a village as a hideout and bomb it, killing dozens of innocent lives.

    Reply
  19. Alexis L.

    Alexis L.
    10/8/12
    AP English 11
    keeble
    1.) the three events were all in common because they all had incidents of the author being stereotyped constantly for being Hispanic.
    2.)Latinas were looked upon as being women who were portrayed as ,”whores”, or women that miss pronounces words. Back where she was from showing some skin meant nothing. Most of it was due to the icon ,”Maria”, from the movie.
    4.)I know that i am not the only one who generalizes people by either their appearance or attitude. I believe that we can live without having hasty generalizations. We can also still live with them, we’ve been living with them for many years now. I for example am a quiet person and people might think that I never talk with anybody or that i have little friends, but in fact i am a somewhat loud person when i am with my friends. Another example can be when people look at one of my uncles, he looks like a straight up gangster, but in fact he’s just a working family man.

    Reply
  20. Caitlin H.

    Caitlin H.
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English Per 2
    8 October 2012

    1.) The thing that the incidents on the bus, in the hotel, and at the poetry reading have in common is that the people who saw Judith Ortiz Cofer assumed certain facts about her because of her appearance. All of the people who assumed things about her did those certain actions because of her ethnicity. They were being stereotypical to her because she looked Latina.

    2.) Some of the people say that they are good domestics. There is also the idea that Latinas are named Maria and that they are housemaids or counter girls that mispronounce words all the time. She also said that some think of a Latina as “whore, domestic, and criminal.” She mentions that classification is by how people look at others. It just depends on what people’s ideas are about what they see.

    4.) Like everyone else in the world, I make assumptions on people just from the little facts I know about them. I usually don’t make assumptions on race, but on other things I assume certain facts about them. If someone has expensive clothes or accessories, I assume that they are rich people. When I think of rich people, I think of snobby, selfish people. That makes me assume that the person has those personalities. It would be nice to live without judgments, but I don’t think they will ever go away. Judging people is just a natural action in us. We all grow up seeing and hearing assumptions and it stays with us for the rest of our lives.

    Reply
  21. lizeth jacinto

    lizeth jacinto
    ap english
    period:1
    Ms. Kebble
    1.) the inccidents on the bus ,hotel,and at the poetry reading all relate because it they all show how people were making assumptions just because she was a latina. All these inccidents show that people get to caught yup with sterotypes that they start to belive that they true and use them to hurt others.
    2.)The point that she makes aboutv classification is that people judge without really not knowing the persons that they are judging Cofer shows these by saying that latinas a bulgar,domestic or whores .
    4)An example would be one of my friends lives in a neighboorhood were “ganster” gang out or some live their and people make the assumption that because she lives their she is just like them . she not she is actually very intellegent and is nothing like that but just the fact that was the only house her parents afford and they had to move their people start to judge her.

    Reply
  22. Hannah R.

    Hannah Reddy
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English, Period 2
    8 October 2012

    1. All the incidents (the bus, the hotel, and the poetry reading) all had to do with her being Latina. In the bus and the hotel, she was sung Spanish songs. However, at the poetry reading an elderly woman mistakened her for a waitress, a job that is stereotypically thought to be mainly held by Latinas.

    2. Cofer explains that in mainstream Anglo-American culture, Latinas are mostly viewed and recognized as whores, domestics, and criminals. The point that she makes about general classifications is that you cannot, with the snap of your finger, change what the public thinks. In order to change the view, the individuals need to change; instead of conforming to the stereotypes and making them stronger and true, one should go against what society expects of them.

    4. Personally, when I see Caucasian people, I almost immediately come to the conclusion that their life is perfect. They live in a perfect home, have the perfect family with the perfect car; everything has been handed to them, no work involved. Frankly, we truly cannot live without judgments. We, as a society, judge everything! Judging is in out nature, it’s in our media. Sitcom television shows are constantly basing its characters and their way of life on judgments that society is familiar with. Take the television show George Lopez, his daughter Carmen was considered a whore by her classmates and she was not very bright. In one episode, her own father didn’t believe she had the potential to go to college. In the end, no matter how much someone believes we can get rid of judgments, we can’t because it is all around us.

    Reply
  23. Gonzalo Haro

    Gonzalo Haro
    AP Lang. and Comp.
    Ms. Keeble
    October 9, 2012

    1) The incidents that happened to Judith on the bus, the hotel, and the poetry reading were all related to stereotypes regarding Hispanic women. People were making cruel assumptions about her simply by the color of her skin. It would only take one look for someone to make an assumption about her.

    2) Many people that have been influenced by the Anglo-American culture think of Latina women as a “Maria”. The stereotypical Maria is whoreish, domestic, and criminal. They also tend to mispronounce words and work as counter girls or cooks. Another misconception is that they are all very sexual and mature for their age. All these stereotypes aren’t really true but they have been pushed and pushed by many people, society, and the media.

    4) It’s part of human nature to judge people. I try my best to not judge people based on their appearance, but rather by their actions and personality. People tend to make a lot of assumptions based on what type of clothes others wear, who they hang out with, what they look like, how they talk, etc.. I judge people based on what I see in them as a person. I think that this is a big problem in our society, but as I said before it’s all part of human nature. I hope this changes in the future because a lot of really good people are looked down on and discriminated based on their appearance.

    Reply
  24. Diana Larios

    Diana Larios
    Keeble
    Period: 1
    10/8/12

    1.) The incidents that occurred to Judith were all different stereotypes that are made to Latina women based upon their religion, culture, ethnicity, and most importantly the color of their skin.

    2.) In the Anglo-American Culture I believe that Latina women are looked down upon as inferior. Cofer states that they are seen as “whores, domestic, or criminal” when in reality these stereotypes do not fit the entire group of Latina women. Racial and sexes judgments usually made by men. Judith says in the essays that she plans to prove everyone otherwise.

    4.) I tend to make judgments on people not necessarily on their appearance but more on their attitude and personalities towards others and myself. I was raised with wonderful morals to which I somewhat expect others to have. Looks do not matter to me. I much rather have a friend who is horrifically ugly but has great respect for the ones around him or her than to have a friend who is exceptionally handsome who disrespects everyone including themselves.

    Reply
  25. Johanna G.

    Johanna G.
    Keeble
    AP English, Per. 2
    8 October, 2012

    1.) All three incidents that the author, Judith Ortiz Cofer, shared with us have similar stereotypes towards Latinas. In the bus, the man who approached her began singing the song, “Maria”, from West Side Story. In the hotel, a middle-aged man greeted her by saying, “Evita!” and then began singing “Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina” and “La Bamba”. Finally, before the poetry reading, an elderly woman called for her, not to get her autograph, but to order a cup of coffee. In all three incidents, she was somehow downgraded and disrespected.

    2.) The different kinds of Latinas Cofer says are recognized in mainstream Anglo-American culture are “whore, domestic or criminal”. The author points out that people will judge you based on how the society portrays people. These snap judgments of people only shows how little we really know and how ignorant we are.

    4.) I believe that the people today cannot live without snap judgments because they are so used to doing it. Even if it isn’t intended, that’s just how people today think. I, too, have judged people and sometimes still do, but I’ve learned not to because there is more to a person than just their appearance. I’m still slowly learning to get to know a person before judging them, but I don’t think that the whole world will change how they think.

    Reply
  26. Sidney Magana

    Sidney 
    Ap English 
    October 8, 2012

    1. As a Latin woman there are always certain stereotypes to be dealt with. The incidents that Cofer had, have the commonality of being connected to the ignorant. All three pegged her as a stereotypical Latin woman, based on her appearance. And in response, Judith Ortiz Cofer, shakes it off and ignores it. 

    2. Different stereotypes of Latina women are acknowledged by Americans. Such as, whores, criminals and domestics. Their employment as waitresses, factory workers, and maids are stereotypical as well. Cofer realizes that changing the views of a group of people can be difficult and must happen “independently.”  She would like to change these negative views to actual “interesting set of reality.” (Cofer 118) 

    4. I connected with Cofer in that of being an educated Latina. I come from a family that is very open to any cultural, religious, and sexual views. I have been taught by many, their personal views and beliefs. Because of this I don’t find myself judging people based on their living but more on their actions. The only time I have ever really caught myself making snap judgments about people was when I was taken out of my element to the state of Minnesota, surrounded by white people. I was one of the few that was colored and I think because of this I carefully judged what others said to me, trying to find negative or racist comments in a conversation. At times I would find little ones that no one realized could be offensive. I think as a whole we could live much better without snap judgements, but we have also proven that we can. Many people today, still hold several stereotypical ideals within their households and families. 

    Reply
  27. Thomas Tran

    Thomas T.
    Keeble
    Period 1
    8 October 2012

    1) The three incidents at the bus, hotel, and at the poetry read were people’s outward expression towards Cofer being a Latina.

    2) Cofer tells the reader that Latinas are “whores, domestic, or criminal” and reveals to the reader that this is largely untrue bias.

    4) It seems nearly impossible for people to make assumptions based on the first appearance. You might see a person wearing short-shorts and some may claim this person to be a “whore” or such. People tend to make the mistake of seeing one person associated with uneducated people, but that person may be as educated as you. Society today almost practically forces us against each other for stereotypes that are commonly accepted within our own communities.

    Reply
  28. Johan Ocegueda

    Johan Ocegueda
    AP English
    October 9, 2012
    Ms. Keeble
    1) They are all one way or another insulting all of the latina women. They all have something to do with the way a latina lives or believes in. Like te incident in the restaurants, the lady thought that Cofer worked there because latino’s are pooor, giving her the idea that the only way a latino would be in a fancy restaurant is if she or he worked there.
    2) The latinas that are recognised here in America are the ones that are eaither extremely pretty, or the ones that give something to talk about. I am a guy I should know, we look for the intersesting one not the nice one. Im playing, at one pint you do want a siriouse relationship but thats until you find the right one.
    3) There is no real difference between the latinas and the other females of the world. It is ll the same, they have to go through the same.
    4) I have felt like my raise has been judge a lot, and I have been judged a lot becaus of my raise too. But it is normal, no matter how much you try, you will always end up with something like that. People are going to tlk, no matter what so why let it get to you?

    Reply
  29. valeria

    Valeria
    8 October 2012
    5th Period

    1. I believe the bus, the hotel, and the poetry reading have in common are that they all aimed towards the same feeling. their was an emotion in every of these parts. She felt that these moments were a part of her ;life that made her who she is. she could not change her ethnicity but she has on th way she acted up.
    2. The latinas that are remembered are the ones that she mentions as “hot tamales” which tamales are a latin type of food. Latina women are seen as smoking & spicey women because on the way they look and their culture. Not every latina girl is the same but the ones that are, are seen as a sexual object.
    4. Even now a days I see a person and I dont think about their ethnicity until I pay close attention to them. like their skin color, their height, hair color, color of eyes and even their nose. i have to say that at the beggining of high school I had learned that not everyone is the same. by that I mean that tongans are not african american and russians are not “white”. I have grown into a person who respects other people culture and I believe this worlds needs that too. People judge a lot and i am not saying that I dont give out judgements anymore. i do have my moments but I have grown into a person who thinks before i speak. Everyone has their story beneath their skin and I have focused on that more on what they look like. Some people can not handle a lot of judgments and others try to hide their pain. but my question is are we too strong for too long?

    Reply
  30. Kiloni Driskell

    Kiloni Driskell
    October 8, 2012
    Ms. Keeble period 2
    Ap English

    Every single one of the incidents that Cofer speaks about are all insulting the live and culture of the latina females. They all one way or another insult the females and the way in which they live. It does seem like here the only way a female is actually get attention is if she is gorgeous or if she has a reputation. I get the way a lot of females are the way that men think, but that does not mean they should think every single women is like that. Not every one is the same, there is no reason to insult a femal that actually does good just because there are others that have no dignity. But I feel like this does not just happen with latinas, it happens with all of the females. At times it seems like men just dont really see a girl for who she is, its like they just se right through her. I have as a women in America have gone through many things lik this, and it puts me down to see how blind our communtiy really is.

    Reply
  31. Merritt W.

    Merritt Walker
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English Per. 2
    08 October 2012

    1. The incidents on the bus, the hotel, and the poetry reading are all in common, because it showed how people were racist to her, and how ignorant people really are. They were being stereotypical and they made assumptions about her because of her race.
    2. The different types of Latinas recognized in the Anglo-American culture are the women that work in the “kitchen”, the women that are waitresses, women that work in the factories, women that are the housemaids. The point that she makes is that people shouldn’t judge others by what they’ve heard or what they think; sometimes that person might be wrong. She isn’t like the stereotypical Latina, and she’s proving that their are others out there that are like her.
    4. Everyone judges people. We do it every day and yes, I believe it is wrong, but we can’t help it, as a society we are brought into stereotypes. For example, if I saw a guy walking toward me with a wife beater on and tattoos on his arms and head, I would probably cross the street. Because of his appearance he seems very scary and perhaps he might be in a gang. That is my assumption of this man, but for all I know those tattoos could be religious and he could be the smartest man in the world, but because of what he looks like and what he is wearing I judge him as a bad person. Another example could be a girl that gets pregnant in high school. My assumption of her is a skank or a slut. Who gets pregnant in high school anyway? What I don’t know is that she could have been raped by a family member or a random person and is being forced to carry the baby. I don’t think we will be able to live without these snap judgments, and I don’t think we could live with them. I don’t like the judgments that I or other people make about others. If we didn’t judge people I think the world would be happier and we wouldn’t have as many conflicts.

    Reply
  32. Joelynn D.

    Joelynn D.

    Ms. Keeble – 2nd period

    AP English

    09 October 2012

    Myth of the Latin Woman Response

    1) One thing that the incident of the bus, in the hotel, and at the poetry reading have in common are that other people always made an automatic assumption about her.

    2) The different kinds of Latinas Cofer mentions are the ones who “wore everything at once,” gave of sexual vibes, were overly mature, uneducated, etc. This makes a point about classifications in general because most of them incorrect and stereotypes. For some individuals the stereotypes may hold true, but it is impossible to assume that it applies to everyone: or even to the majority in that case.

    4) It would be lying if I said that I do not judge and make assumptions about people because it is human nature to make assumptions. Like if someone makes a rude comment I would perceive him/her to be rude and not friendly. Or if they look untidy I may think that they do not care to keep up a good image or take care of themselves. This doesn’t necessarily mean that I can’t change my mind because I know that first impressions may not always be true and that once I get to know a person, my perception of him/her may change. I do not think that we could live without these judgement because without a first impression or assumption we would have nothing to base our later judgement on. For example, if one assumes that someone is mean, but later learns that they are actually really nice, then they would be able to compare what they know to what they first assumed and change his/her judgement of that person. Without these first assumptions it would be hard to characterize a person’s personality or actions.

    Reply
  33. Jonathan

    Jonathan V
    Ms. Keeble
    october 9 2012
    period 1 Ap Eng and Comp

    1. These events have in comon the racial profiling that make her look a certai way that she may not be. Like for example in the bus, the Guy thought that because she was a girl, she was goig to digg the poetry he was going to recite. In the poetry reading the woman that liked her poems, thought that she was going to be a waiter, so she decided to invite her a cup of cofee to seem ice and caring. She was showing that she cared not just for her but for all the woman waiters that were like her, fighters.

    2.The classification that is made with all the anglo-latinas is just not so genereal afterall. They connect all the latinas possible and make simmilarities and then contrast them making assumptions that all are going to end up working as waitresses or making their life as a housewife having tons and tons of kids. The Latinas that are mostly recogized are the Latinas that come from mostly Mexico and the ones from Central America. Also she makes a point that all the latinas are put in the category of “Going Nowhere In Life”

    4.The way I see some people live their way does not bother me. The only time it bothers me is when they do something that buggs my community of my family, my close frieds. Other than that let the people live the way they want, the way they dress, and the way they live their life. The sterotypes of today are dealt with fine because many people have lived with them for so long that it is okay if they use them agaist others or if they are used agaist them. They take them as jokes, which to some are not funy, to the older generation that went through a lot. The thing that really bugs me is that some people from other cultures buy those stereotypes and abid with them, thats the wrong way to do it. Ignoring the bad makes thigs better, that good makes your life more easier.

    Reply
  34. Dominique

    1. The incidents on the bus, in the hotel, and at the poetry reading all are examples of racist incidents against that the author personally experienced.

    2. The different kinds of Latinas Cofer says are recognized in mainstream Anglo-American culture are seen as sex objects, even as young girls, who apparently dress explicit and too inappropiate for their age. The point Cofer makes about classification in general is that Latino people (usually the women) are seen as less superior than the dominiant white race and can only carry out working labor jobs and nothing that has to do with a high education. I think that she got these points from her own experiences and how people react to and doubt Latinos all throughout the country.

    4. Quite a while ago, I used to percieve others by the color of their skin and I used to make judgments based off that, and what I heard of these different skin colors from society. If they were black, I assumed they were and did stuff very different from Mexicans, and it would be werid if I saw a black person playing soccer. This was a long time ago, because in the more recent years I have seen judgments and racism and how stereotypes have taken over my perspective. It is no longer werid to see Mexican playing basketball or a Black person singing other than rap. Looks and location of people used to and still have an affect on my judgement as well, which is something I’m not necessarily proud of. If I see a sketchy (usually black) person and I know they’re from East Oakland I usually classify them as ghetto and stay away from them. I don’t think that we can live without these snap judgments because they are our aspects of how we view the world and society. If we didn’t have these judgments, there would be not separate of practically anything in our society.

    Reply
  35. Brittany-Ann V. Dela Cruz

    Brittany-Ann from period 1
    1. The incidents on the bus, in the hotel, and at the poetry reading all share the event of Maria being judged based on her ethnic background and appearance.
    2. The sexy and bright clothes they wear, the factory or counter girl jobs, and their accents serves as the different kinds of Latinas Cofer that are recognized in the mainstream. By showing how other classify people like her, it points out that the society we are in classifies people based on what they already know about their ethnic group.
    4. I can honestly say that I perceive others in certain ways because of something about them. If a person has tattoos and a tear drop under their eye, I will assume that he or she is bad. If I am in a bad neighborhood, I will be sure to lock my car doors. If I am in a restaurant and I see a person in black and white, I will assume that he or she is the waiter. If I am in a nail salon, I will assume that a Vietnamese person will be the one doing the job. These kinds of snap judgments are natural because of the history we have gone through. We can live without them, but I doubt that they will ever stop.

    Reply
  36. Oscar G

    Oscar G
    Period 1
    1. The incidents from the bus, hotel and the poetry reading are common in the sense that they were all related to prejudice profiling. In the woman in the poetry reading a woman assumed that Maria was a waitress, and gave her an order for some coffee. Then in the bus a man gets on one of his knees; the man just begins to put on a show infront of Maria. Assuming that she was a drama loving woman just like assumed about Latino Woman.
    2. The kinds of Latinas Cofer is talking about are mainly Puerto Ricans and Mexican woman. The assumptions made by other people is that they believe Latino woman are meant to stay domestic and, that they are pretty good at ‘kitchen’ work.
    4. On first sight judgements people can decide their attitude towards you. Society can live with them, we can just wait until that person proves himself or shows who he/she is. But the way modern society is now, it chooses not to. Because of it it limits people’s confidence to do something. For example even I judge people with beards wearing sweats, sweaters, and warn out shoes. To them it is just a bad day, what I see is a homeless person.

    Reply
  37. Alicia

    Alicia O.
    AP English
    Ms. Keeble
    8 October 2012

    1. The incidents on the bus, in the hotel,and at the poetry reading all have in common the way that the people are using the many stereotypes heard to offend Latinas. In each of these events the Latinas are being offended and being seen as a certain person and thought as if all Latinas do certain stuff. In all of the events Cofer was offended just because she is a Latina. Through this we see that many stereotypes are out there about Latinas that lead to many events like the ones that occured to Cofer.
    2. The different kinds of Latinas Cofer says are being recognized in mainstream Anglo-American cultures are as good domestics, waitresses, and factory workers. Overall, in this culture we are seen as good house wifes and in jobs were little English and few skills are needed.The point she makes in general about classification is that from the media that our society sees is how the many classifications are made. She gives an example of a story in the media about the “Mammy”. Cofer lets us know that the media is the source from where classification comes from because many stereotypes are being portrayed in the media about different groups.
    4. I perceive others in certain ways because of something about them by following and believing the different streotypes that I hear. For example, whenever I see that a person lives in an ugly house that is not clean, I automatically assume that he or she is a nasty and dirty person. The way I saw the house of this person is what makes me believe that I know how they are. Also, by the way they dress if they are dressed in formal clothes then I believe that the person is smart and professional. In my opinion thse snap judments are always used by our society and even though we do not mean it, it is just something that is naturally done. This is why I believe that we cannot live without these snap judments because even though we do not want to think them; it is something that is automatically done wihtout our permission. Living without them would not be possible because our society already is used to them and in many cases some stereotypes are good that help out a lot of people in a positive way.

    Reply
  38. Dartise

    They were all racist incidents intended to target her culture back ground. Some were on accident and some were on purpose to try to offend Maria.

    The things that Latino’s are recognized as in American culture is that age , mature rapidly. They are seen as sexually ready at a young age due to the way they dress so man try to exploit them. The final thing is they have low income jobs , and are up to no good.

    I perceive lots of cultures in many way do to what i was told as a boy. Like i assume that Latino are untrustworthy and unreliable. I think that Asian people can’t drive, and are very smart. I have certain believe for every race including my own. I also judge people by the way they dress or speak, and heavily on their behavior. A couple of example is I can find all the gang-bangers depending on the way that they dress.

    Reply
  39. Areli S

    Areli Sanchez
    Ap English, 2
    October 8th, 2012
    Ms. Keeble

    1.The incidents all give insight of how society practices prejudice and stereotypical beliefs upon Latin women. The writer, in all three incidents, faces racial prejudice. The writer felt strongly about these incidents for they triggered emotions such as anger towards the ignorance in society.

    2. There are three types of Latinas that are recognized in mainstream Anglo-American culture, and those are whores, domestics and criminals. Classification is a wide spread problems in which people are innocently labeled as something they are not, but are perceived to be because of their culture.

    4. We live in a society where judgments are a crucial persistent reality. Judgments cannot be escaped, for we as people have a developed mind in which we critique and judge others. Everything seems to matter to us and we instantly criticize those around us based on theirs looks and background.

    Reply
  40. Tanzeel H.

    Tanzeel Hak
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English
    8 October 2012

    1) All three incidents deal with stereotypes of an Hispanic women. The bus, hotel, and poetry reading correlate with how the author felt like she was being stereotyped constantly for being a Latina. Another thing all of the incidents had in common were how the the author’s culture constantly clashed with the American culture all around here.

    2) How you present yourself seemed to be an important topic. The author felt that by the way she dressed often misled people into making stereotypical assumptions. How the Irish man sang “Maria” to her, how when the the man recited, “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina,” or the lady thinking that she was a waitress. The author doesn’t seem to like how people stereotype others because often the stereotypes end up being wrong. We should not classify people based on their appearance as it can often be misleading.

    4) I don’t think we can live without making assumptions about people by how we perceive them. One an example could be, if I walked into McDonald’s and assumed the cashier, and everyone in the back were high school dropouts or just unintelligent. Or if I saw a homeless person, and thought that they must not be smart. Another example could be, if I went into a rich neighborhood and just assumed that the people living in it were geniuses or cocky.

    Reply
  41. Efrain E

    Efrain E.
    October 8, 2012
    Period 1

    1)In all three instances, the people that Judith met make assumptions based on her appearance. They made assumption about her identity and social status based on stereotypes of Latin women. The misconceptions offended Judith and belittled her accomplishments.

    2) The main stereotypes that are bestowed upon Latinas are the assumptions that they are very sexual and that they work as maids and various other low income workers. Judith uses her experiences as examples that men and women alike assumed that she was an uneducated, low-income worker, when in fact she went to Cambridge and teaches at the University of Georgia. She tries to point out that classification is wrong and will often belittle the person being classified. There is more to an individual than the naked eye can see, so making classifications about people is a fruitless way of finding out what kind of person they are.

    4) Often times, when I meet a new person, I try to imagine what kind of personality they have and what kind of people they associate with based on their behavior and appearance. I try not to make wild and ridiculous assumptions when I come across someone new, as my assumptions are usually partially incorrect. Of course I attempt to get to know that person better before making a final judgement, but this kind of classification is sort of like a game for me. It is almost like I am a detective, using clues about the person in an attempt to figure out every minute detail about them. While this kind of judgement is not very harmful, there are people out there in the world that will let their judgement get the best of them; they might even make harsh and offensive assumptions without even knowing the person. That kind of judgement is one humankind as a whole is better off avoiding. If someone assumes that an individual is poor and uneducated simply because their skin is a certain color, it may end in negative consequences. Sometimes that individual might even be bullied because of the assumption of a single person.

    Reply
  42. Heather H.

    Heather H.
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English 11: Period 2
    08 October 2012

    1. The incidents on the bus, in the hotel, and at the poetry read all share the common thread of the writer, Judith Ortiz Cofer, interpreting interactions people had with her to be based on her being Latina.
    2. Cofer says that Latinas are represented as “whore, domestic, or criminal” in mainstream Anglo-American culture. By saying this, she also makes the point that classification of a large group becomes far too specific and largely untrue.
    4. Snap judgments are unavoidable. I have a really big problem with making instantaneous judgments about people when it comes to weight. I hate that I do it. However, when I see someone who is overweight, I get an instant thought of “they must not care enough to change it”. I really disgust myself when that thought crosses my mind. My logical and empathetic side automatically corrects it, but that judgment still happens. I think it would be possible to live without these judgments, but that it will never happen that we do. As for the matter of living with them, we do on a daily basis. People who work at McDonald’s are judged as being uneducated, for example. I highly doubt that will change in the future. However, as long as these judgments are kept to oneself and not acted on, it’s very easy to live with them.

    Reply
  43. Ross H.

    Ross
    Keeble
    period 2
    October 8 2012
    1. The three incidents in the essay the Myth off the Latin Woman each of them called the speaker a stereotypical Latina name. She was called things like Evita, Maria, and the name Maria again.
    2.Women in Latina culture are only sex symbols, that should dress to appeal to a man. They are stupid and should not attend college. That Latin women should be only in the kitchen. They only wear red. Cofer by using these rationalizations show that not all Latina women are as shown. They can be smart and not just a sex figure.
    4. I as a person do this to everyone. I will see a person and see they race and how they dress and I will perceive how they will act. For example if I see a ghetto black man walking while i am walking home at night, I will think that he is out to mug me. I have seen many articles in the news papers about black men that have mugged people. I do not think that we can live with out these snap judgments. We see a person and we judge them. If we like what they look like we could go and talk to them. If we think they are not what we like we will not. They in our eyes could be a child killer. We do not want to be friends with a child killer. There are some cases that these hasty generalizations can led to some bad things. A black educated women and a white educated man are both going to a job interview. If the interviewer might think that the black women is not right for the job because of her race. The white man on the other hand might have a better chance depending on the race of the interviewer. He there for has an unfair advantage against her, yet on the other hand it could have gone the other way the black women could have gotten the job.

    Reply
  44. Jashleen Singh

    Jashleen Singh
    AP English Per 2
    10/08/12

    1)The incidents on the bus, in the hotel, and at the poetry reading all reveal how Hispanic females are mistreated, or misjudged on who they are simply because of their skin color/ethnicity.

    2)The different kinds of Latinas Cofer says are recognized in mainstream Anglo- American culture are as a whore, domestic, or criminal. She makes a point that classification in general is a stereotype and by assuming who a person is by their skin color can often times have you put yourself in the wrong.

    4) I sometimes perceive others in different ways, depending on the way they are acting or a situation they are in. For example, if I see someone in the hallways messing around during class time; I would assume they aren’t serious about school. Another example would be if I know someone who takes bus, and assume they take bus because they’re poor. I believe that we can live without these judgements, however after growing up in a society where judgements are made so naturally, it would be difficult to stop making them.

    Reply
  45. Veronica V.

    Veronica V.
    10/8/12
    AP English
    Ms. Keeble, 1st per.

    1.) All of the incidents that happened to Judith were all stereotypes at how people judge Latinas by the color of their skin, where they came from and their culture.

    2.) Hispanic and Latina women are portrayed as uneducated, “whores, domestic and criminal”(par. 14). They are also seen as maids, waitresses, a mispronouncing words and should be in the kitchen. They are mostly looked down upon by Anglo-American cultures. Judith makes her point that she wants to try to make people see the realities of Latina women and how some of these stereotypes don’t suite them. Also, they shouldn’t be judging them simply because of their race or color or making an assumption when they don’t even know them.

    4.) I’ve judged people about their appearance, what they wear or how they act, but this generation cannot live without making judgments about others since it’s a bad habit and most do it without realizing it. Well that’s how it is for me, sometimes I speak before thinking. I don’t think we can be able to live without them since we’ve been doing it for so long. We are living with them because everyone is going to have an opinion about something another person does or wears.

    Reply
  46. Aaron C

    Aaron Chon
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English 11
    08 October 2012

    1. The incidents on the bus, in the hotel, and at the poetry reading were all results of the presumptions that other people made about them. It goes without saying that the people that were involved in these incidents were white, and this was in an age where people were still prejudiced heavily against the other races. The actions that were chosen by the offending parties were those of ignorance and intended insult, and such should not be tolerated in the way that it has been throughout the history of man.

    2. Cofer states that most members of the Anglo-American culture make judgments and stereotypes concerning Latinas that are based on an imaginary “Maria” that has risen out of the media. This hypothetical person is described as a housemaid or counter girl that commonly mispronounces words or cooks up foods that are spicy. The traditional customs of Latinas are also viewed as lewdness and eye candy for men, who knowing that this isn’t true, will act upon this with threat of job loss. This classification reveals the lack of knowledge that people have, which results in their inability to respect a people due to the color of their skin.

    4. I tend to be a person that makes my inferences and presumptions less from the appearance, but more from their actions as individuals. This is because I was raised in a place and era where equality and liberty is viewed as an essential quality of culture, and also because many people have made erratic presumptions about myself as a person. However, even these are inaccurate as well because society has developed people that wear various masks around others to appease the situation. Knowing that what people are showing me is fake tells me what they are not, and what it is that they want of others.

    Reply
  47. Jessica A

    Jessica A.
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English 11, per 5
    8 October 2012

    1. The incidents on the bus, in the hotel, and at the poetry reading all involve someone else assuming that Cofer is a stereotypical Latina, when on the contrary she is educated, professional, and knows English very well.

    2. The different kinds of Latinas that Cofer says are recognized in mainstream Anglo-American culture are those that work as domestics, waitresses, and those that work in factory jobs. Cofer’s point about classification states that most people classify others without knowing their culture and the background information that comes alongside it. Cofer stated that,” Mixed signals have perpetuated certain stereotypes.” (Cofer, 73) In other words, people judge others in accordance with stereotypes without acknowledging the culture that is affiliated with those that are being judged and classified.

    3. Judging by a person’s outward appearance and the way they present themselves, you can easily deduce their personality and their self-worth. For example, if a young man attends school wearing shirts that exploit violent behavior and gang-affiliation, you can assume that he doesn’t respect himself because he makes poor decisions and acts poorly at home and in public. Another common judgement of people arises when they hear someone’s place of residence. For example, someone might assume that you’re poor because you live in Oakland, or that you’re very wealthy because you live in Castro Valley. Living without these snap judgments would be challenging, because society has made it so that these conclusions form the fundamentals of our mindset. Although it would be a positive thing to rid ourselves of such snap judgments, it’s a difficult task to complete when nearly everyone is inclined towards accepting some type of myth or stereotype about others.

    Reply
  48. Caleb M.

    Caleb M.
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English, Period 2
    10/8/12

    1. The incidents on the bus, in the hotel, and at the poetry read, all include a stereotypical assumption or remark towards the writer and main character of the story.
    2. Cofer explains that Latinas are seen as either sex symbols or low income workers in mainstream Anglo-American culture. I think that Cofer makes the point that classification in general is often based upon appearance, culture and income, instead of genuine intelligence.
    4. I perceive others based on their education skills and intelligence.I often make hasty generalizations about people who are intelligent by viewing them as being over confident or pompous. I see them this way because it is easier to identify someone who is intelligent as being egotistic, rather than humble. I do think it is possible to live without these kinds of snap judgements because they are often proven wrong most of the time.

    Reply
  49. Rachael B.

    Rachael B.
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English 11, Period 2
    8 October 2012

    1. The one thing that the incidents on the bus, in the hotel, and the poetry had in common was the fact that the people who saw Judith Ortiz Cofer assumed so much about her because of her appearance to them. On the bus, the man had assumed her name was something like Maria by singing his rendition from “West Side Story” because she looked Latino to him. The similar thing also happened when she was at the hotel. Another man with his daughter called her Evita due to her appearance. He sang as well, thinking he was being playful while Cofer took it to offence as the man was being sterotypical with the assumption of her ethnic. When she was at the poetry reading, a woman had assumed Cofer was a waitress just by quickly looking at her. All the people she had encountered created their views of her because of the way she looked, clearly being sterotypical.

    2. In the mainstream Anglo-American culture, the Latinas are recognized as being very mature for their age. They are also recognized as being a “sexual firebrand” because they are from Latin America and they dress in such ways that they really dont mean to exploit it. Her point being that they are raised to act mature and the way they dressed/presented themselves was not for taking advantage of. They dressed the way they do not to exploit themselves but back where they were from, showing some skin meant nothing. They were protected by the morals of the Spanish/Catholic system. People knew not to make sexual innuendos.

    4. Just like everyone else, I personally perceive and judge others by the way they look. An example would be as if you see someone with a whole bunch of gold jewelry and extravagant clothing. The initial assumption would be that the person must be wealthy. Yes, people say don’t judge a book by its cover, but everyone still does, even if they say they don’t. I don’t think there will ever be a time where everyone does not judge someone by how they present themselves. It’s: nature for us as human beings to judge and make assumptions about people we don’t personally know. Once we see someone we are not familiar with, the cycle of judging and assumptions begin in our minds.

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  50. Dan M

    1) The incidents on the bus, at the hotel, and at the reading were all incidents of people presuming things about the author at a glance.
    2) The author mentions many common archetypes that are presented by the media. These include the Maid, the Cook, and the “Hot Tomale.” She mentions these to show how these aren’t individual ideas, these have all been pushed by the media, like many other archetypes.
    4) People often surprise me, and they go against common stereotypes. I look at my friends: My friend who lives in a rough neighborhood has the strongest convictions and morals of nearly anybody. My friend who lives in a mostly abandoned neighborhood (abandoned by everybody but squatters) has a surprising amount of latent wisdom. It’s funny, but people often mistake me for a stoner (Hah!).
    Presumptions are based largely on how we look and where we come from. They are a part of society, and not a part to be proud of. It will take time for society to forget these stereotypes, and likely they will be replaced by new ones later. But it is a change we must work towards nonetheless.

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