MTV aired the annual VMA awards show on Tuesday, Sept. 12. The award show celebrated countless artists for their musical accomplishments. This year, many Latin artists were featured as performers, including Karol G, Annita, and the Video Vanguard Award recipient: Shakira.
It was most definitely a momentous occasion for many Latina female artists. However, as a Latina woman, I unfortunately was not left feeling very celebrated after watching the awards. In fact, I was left feeling rather objectified.
All of the performances from these Latina women featured a few things in common: sexual dancing and suggestive lyrics. While I did feel as though Shakira’s performance stuck out from Annita and Karol G’s because it came off as much more genuine and empowering, the latter two performances felt like a slap to the face about what it means to be Latina.
Karol G and Annita’s performances relied solely on their sexy appearances and their highly sexual lyrics. While people cheered on this supposed demonstration of Latina empowerment, it made me think about what it means to be Latina in the eyes of the modern media.
Every time I watch a red carpet event or check out a Latina stars’ Instagram page, all I see is little clothing and provocative poses. While it is amazing that women are finally able to do this freely after so many years of oppression and inability to express themselves, it seems as if “sexy” is the only image a Latina woman is allowed to have in the eyes of the media.
While watching famous Latina women on award show stages, I can’t help but wonder if anyone would have taken them seriously if they did not play up their sexy looks. When looking at celebrities from other cultures, I see a lot more diversity in styles and outfits. But when I look at my own community, I just see “sexy.”
I have always believed in the empowerment of women, and I think empowerment lies in allowing women to be themselves and express themselves however they want. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with artists like Karol G and Annita having their own senses of style. The issue lies in society expecting all latina women to look how they do.
I think a great example in media of a character who realistically breaks this stereotype is Gloria in Modern Family. Gloria, played by Colombian actress, Sofia Vergara, constantly makes jokes about showing off her beautiful body in order to get what she wants. However, she balances this by showing that she is a genuinely smart and thoughtful person.
There is a scene in the show where she expresses how frustrated she is that her son’s friends’ moms don’t care to know her or let their kids play with her son because of the way she looks. In the scene, she is so upset because all people see when they look at her is a beautiful object worth only being jealous or lustful of. They do not see her for the smart and talented woman she is.
This is the fear of many Latina women. Yes, many of us are blessed with incredible hips and overall beauty. But we want to be taken seriously for the things we do and say. We do not want to be seen as sex objects. If we choose to dress up our looks, then that is our own decision. Though it should never be the expectation.
Many times, Latina women are put in a situation where they are just unable to win. Either dress up sexy and risk being objectified and not taken seriously, or dress in a more conservative manner and risk no one taking the time to listen to you.
Latina women are powerful, genuine, and smart. We should be celebrated for our genuine accomplishments, whether it be as performers, scientists, teachers, mothers, whatever we are. We deserve to be taken seriously without our bodies and looks being regarded. Every single part of what makes us who we are matters- not just what is visible on the outside.