Judith Ortiz Cofer's The Myth Of The Latin Woman

Identity, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary, is “a group of characteristics, data or information that belongs exactly to one person”. To try and identify oneself is innate, self-analysis is what defines individuals. However, people of the same religion, same ethnicity, or even the same hair color are subject to stereotypes. “The Myth of the Latin Woman” embodies what it is to be a Hispanic woman in America trying to find and embrace her identity while defying stereotypes. Author Judith Ortiz Cofer uses a personal narrative essay to tell the story of the life of a Hispanic girl trying to assimilate herself while still holding on to her culture and traditions. By analyzing the different parts of this essay such as the narration mode, cause and effect model, the descriptive mode, and the language, we can understand better understand the essay.
Though, the author states (pg 234) that she was one of the lucky ones. Cofer was privileged enough to get an education and assimilate herself into the American society. The author recognizes that her upbringing has allowed her a set of goals that include changing these stereotypes to a more universal understanding. However, this did not come without hardship. The author was subjected to many forms of cruel stereotypes, even as a young girl.

One prominent example would be a moment she vividly recalls in primary school, she is confronted with a career day at school. This provided the challenge of deciding what was “appropriate” to wear. The young girl was worried her expression of clothing could promote the cultural chasm many still face. On pages, 231-232, Cofer states "that it became quickly obvious that to the Puerto Rican girls 'dressing up' meant wearing their mother's ornate jewelry and clothing"; like any young girl following in the “fashion footsteps” of the prominent female figure in their