Overcoming Stereotypes and Embracing Identity

Questions and Answers

What was the reason given to the author for not getting a role in a movie?

She was too young for the role

She didn't have enough experience

The film wasn't financeable until a white role was cast first (correct)

She wasn't a good enough actress

Why did the author try to change her appearance and behavior?

To impress her agent

To be seen as more capable and deserving of opportunities (correct)

To fit in with her peers

To rebel against the traditional beauty standards

What was the author initially asked to do in her first professional audition at 15?

To wear more revealing clothing

To sound more American

To speak in broken English (correct)

To change her accent

What did the author come to realize about the problem she faced in her career?

<p>That the problem wasn't her own failure, but the systemic belief that people of color are less valuable</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's message to others who have been told to resist their true identity?

<p>To stop resisting and start existing as their full and authentic selves</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The author, America, had her first professional audition at 15 for a commercial, but was asked to "sound more Latina" by speaking in broken English, which she found offensive and confusing.
The author did not get the job, and many other roles that stereotyped her as a Latina, such as the gangbanger's girlfriend, sassy shoplifter, or pregnant Chola, due to her being perceived as too brown, too fat, too poor, and too unsophisticated.
To overcome these obstacles, the author tried to change her appearance and behavior, such as staying out of the sun to avoid getting darker, straightening her curls, and constantly trying to lose weight, in order to be seen as more capable and deserving of opportunities.
The author was told by her agent that she wasn't getting a role in a movie because the film wasn't financeable until a white role was cast first, which made her realize that the problem wasn't her own failure, but the systemic belief that people of color are less valuable.
The author eventually understood that she couldn't change the system's beliefs about her while still believing those same negative beliefs herself, and that she needed to accept and embrace her true identity in order to bring about change.
The author recognizes that she is not alone in being told to resist her true identity in order to succeed, and that millions of people have been given the same message, and that it is time to stop resisting and start existing as their full and authentic selves.
The author's identity, which was previously seen as an obstacle, is now seen as her superpower.

Description

Discover the author's journey of self-acceptance and empowerment as she navigates the challenges of being a Latina in the entertainment industry. Learn how she overcame stereotypes and negative beliefs to find her true identity and superpower. This inspiring story is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt like they don't fit in.