Calladita te ves más bonita: Tackling Sexism and Machismo
Visual by Nancy Romo
by Andrea Alvarez
Muchachitas decentes; our mamás, abuelas, and tías continuously stressed the importance of being honorable young women, yet what exactly makes one an exemplary Latina? According to the aged muchachita decente philosophy, a decent young woman is reserved, modest, and obedient. The term acts as the blueprint for the perfect wife and mother, characterized by her ability to care for and serve her family. As my female relatives compare their experiences to mine, saying things
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like “a tu edad yo ya sabía cocinar,” I recount how times have changed, and I am privileged to have grown up under different circumstances. However, have these old-fashioned beliefs actually left our communities? Notwithstanding the generations of change and progress in combating gender inequality, the muchachita decente model continues to impose patriarchal norms on women.
