The Myth of the Latin Woman and Black Men in Public Spaces
Introduction
The Myth of the Latin Woman: I Just Met a Girl Named Maria by Judith Ortiz Cofer and Black Men in Public Spaces by Brent Staples have both explored the themes of stereotyping and racism based on aspects of gender and ethnicity. In her work, Judith Ortiz has undertaken an in-depth study to explore the existent stereotype in the public against Latin American women and the significant impact of this practice on the life and identity of individual women. Brent Staples, on the other hand, has provided a thought-provoking story where he recounts different experiences where he was viewed suspiciously because he was different from other Americans. The Myth of the Latin Woman: I Just Met a Girl Named Maria by Judith Ortiz Cofer and Black Men in Public Spaces by Brent Staples both illustrate that racism and stereotyping are dominant aspects of the American society which are often based on individual appearances, gender, and ethnicity without understanding their personalities.
Comparison between The Myth of the Latin Woman and Black Men in Public Spaces
The common denominator in these literatures is the fact that the minority groups in the country are in constant search for justice and equality in a world that is filled with racism and stereotypical behaviors. Both authors express their frustration and dissatisfaction towards inequality, degradation, and stereotypes of Latin Americans and African Americans. In her attempt to eradicate these practices, Cofer makes attempts to empower Latin American women by explaining the origin of inequality and stereotypical practices. Both authors illustrate that Americans are likely to categorize and stereotype individuals in a particular category depending on their appearances. Brent Staples illustrates the stereotypes of African American while Cofer illustrates the inherent stereotypes of Latin women by explaining how they were brought up and their encounters with American strangers as a result of their ethnicity, gender, and physical appearances (Staples 61). The manner in which both characters solve the inherent stereotypes is similar; Staples expresses the feeling of anger and frustration for being viewed as a criminal although he was a softy as he evidenced people closing their car doors while others crossed streets to avoid him. On the other hand, Cofer feels alienated particularly owing to her manner of dressing which causes her to get harassed. Both Cofer and Staples have to deal with issues of belongingness and identity, as well as the need to fit in a society that sees their difference and judges them unfairly.
Both authors have employed the use of literary devices to express their frustration and dissatisfaction with the system in the country. Cofer has verified her identity as a credible Latin American woman through the use of personal anecdotes that help to emphasize the frustration she faces as well as the unfair depiction of other Latinos in the country. Additionally, she has employed the device of emotional appeal, parallelism, and anecdotal imagery to express the challenges faced by Latinos and the inherent cultural barriers. For instance, the essay employed the use of emotional appeal to assess the cultural hurdles that are often faced by Latin America and cultural barriers as she expresses the struggles she evidenced in dressing (Cofer 5). She states, “That morning, I had organized…which to base my decision,” (Cofer 8) a poignancy that works to stress on the agonizing aspect of restraint and uncertainty that the author faces as a result of the culture and stereotypical nature of the Americans. This aspect of emotional appeal drives sympathy and sorrow to the reader in a bid to make them understand the cultural barriers including the need to develop an effective and recognized dressing style. In the same manner, Brent Staples has employed the use of an array of literary devices to showcase the existing differences between distinct races in the country. One of the most relevant devices used is an appeal to the character where Staples explains that despite his harmless nature, he is often viewed as harmful and dangerous. He states, “I grew up one of the good boys and had perhaps a half-dozen fist-fights….as a softy who is scarcely able to take a knife to a raw chicken let alone hold to a person’s throat. I was surprised, embarrassed, and dismayed all at once” (Staples 5). Through this statement, Staples attempts to refute the perception that has been created around his appearances by building a positive status with his audience. Although he is a professor, people are quick to judge him from his looks rather than his character. These insights also support the inherent contrasts between his peaceful nature and the image of violence created by the society about him. The aspect of contrast is also evidenced in his writing as he contrasts his soft and kind nature with the nature created by society about him. Just like Cofer, Staples has employed the aspect of emotional appeal to relate and connect his audience with the suffering and frustration inherent in society.
However, the essays are differentiated by the fact that their encounters with strangers are different. Although both stereotypes are based on ethnicity and gender, Cofer faces sexual intimidation for being a woman and is mistaken for a waitress while Cofer is stereotyped for appearing violent, unapproachable, and intimidating. Nevertheless, both essays have made a successful attempt to showcase the effect of stereotypes and racism at an individual and cultural level.
Conclusion
The Myth of the Latin Woman: I Just Met a Girl Named Maria by Judith Ortiz Cofer and Black Men in Public Spaces by Brent Staples both illustrate that racism and stereotyping are dominant aspects of the American society which are often based on individual appearances, gender, and ethnicity without understanding their personalities. Both authors come up with ways of correcting the misconceptions posed against them and they accept the nature of stereotype and the fact that they are likely to get judged for their gender, ethnicity, and physical appearances. However, they are both focused on changing people’s misconceptions to ensure that the community becomes knowledgeable on the existing diverse cultures and inherent differences between people.
Works Cited