Is Rosalia Taking Advantage of Latino Culture?

Natalia Guzmán
09 May 2022
Rosalia

Latinidad is complex. We’ve already dived into the meaning of the various terms our Latinx community uses. What people used to consider part of the Latinx community has evolved and changed, and so have our standards, what we expect from artists, and how we perceive them. So as labels change and get nitpicked, we’d like to kindly ask that we sit back and reflect on a certain artist taking credit for being from a certain ethnic background she is not actually from. We explain.

Last year, Rosalia won Best Latin song alongside Billie Eilish at the VMAs. People were confused. How can a Spaniard win a Latin award? She isn’t considered Latinx or Latina, she is Spanish or Hispanic. Above all, Billie Eilish, a white American girl, also won the prize? What about Bad Bunny? Maluma? Shakira? Three talented and well-known artists were also nominated for Best Latin song.

Despite these other Latinx nominations, Rosalia keeps getting nominated for the Latin Grammys and also winning it. Of course she isn’t the only Spaniard who was nominated. C Tangana was among the nominees for his El Madrileño, but he has never tried to claim the Latino identity as Rosalia has.

Though this has happened for many years now, it wasn’t until recently that discussions about Hispanic and Latinx identity have started to take shape in earnest. In fact, Enrique Iglesias, a Spaniard, was a big part of the 90s “Latin Explosion” but was identified as Latino.


Enrique Iglesias - Bailamoswww.youtube.com

At that time the Latinx community severely lacked representation, recognition, and leadership, so having a small, albeit not quite right representation of Hispanic culture was reason to celebrate. But things have changed and our standards have too. We expect better. We demand a more accurate representation of our diverse and nuanced culture.

Rosalia’s attempt to identify as Latina is particularly disturbing because she’s robbing other women from our community of this recognition. Opportunities that should be for women who speak about our truths and use their voices to speak out about our issues.

Spaniards have centuries of colonialism on their hands where they’ve exploited native Latin-American people and cultures, and now they continue to do so by appropriating our culture to thrive from.

Award shows are notoriously biased, white, and culturally disconnected. The Rosalia debacle stems from these problems and artists have started to actively call the organizers of these shows out for their inaction on very blatant issues.

The issue within the Latinx community doesn’t end at Spaniards passing themselves off as Latinx, but also the frequency in which white-passing Latinx artists are chosen over darker-skinned and Black/Afro Latinx.

The Latinx community is still very much grappling with colorist tendencies. Many parts of Latin America don't recognize the influence of Black people in their culture and continue to promote an anti-Black agenda within their people. Colombia, for example, did a census in 2019 where only 2.9 million of Colombia’s approximately 50 million people reported being of African descent, when in the 2005 census, about 4.3 million people, approximately 10% of the population, identified themselves as black. Almost half of the Black population were somehow erased from the census. Anti-Blackness paves the way for white artists to benefit from the Latinx label while still checking the white box that award show organizers are so used to working with.

In contrast, talented dark-skinned people are cast aside, like Tego Calderon, who has only won one Latin Grammy. One of the kings of reggaeton, Calderon, was part of revolutionizing the genre by fusing different rhythms like dancehall, hip hop, and salsa while also speaking out about the struggles of his people both in his music and in his personal life. His album El Abayarde was innovative, genre-bending, and brought attention to artists in Puerto Rico. He owns the color of his skin proudly and celebrates his Afro-roots.

Alongside this, we also know how few women are recognized for their talent.

Only three Latina or Hispanic women have ever won the Latin Grammy for best album: Natalia LaFourcade, Shakira, and the non-Latina Rosalía, so even when women have won, they were all white-presenting. Where’s Ivy Queen’s recognition? She’s only been nominated three times and has never been awarded despite being one of the most prominent reggaeton pioneers. What about Ile, Julieta Venegas, Ana Tijoux, Lido Pimienta, Kali Uchis, to mention some of them. Rosalia, in 4 years, has surpassed the number of nominations and wins of all these talented Latina artists.

When these diverse, talented people aren’t recognized, their careers also don’t benefit from the attention these awards generate. for example, the “Grammy Bounce” produces growth in concert ticket sales and producer fees of at least 55%

Continuing to recognize only these privileged, white artists contributes to the hoarding of opportunities and benefiting from the influence of BIPOC talent without giving them their well-deserved praise. Therefore, Spanish artists like Rosalia should be called out, but we also have to hold those in the highest positions accountable. These people are the ones perpetuating the problems.

They are the people that are constantly imposing their perceptions and racist views of what is considered good enough. They celebrate genre-bending styles when done by white people, but when it’s time to recognize people of color doing it, the praise disappears. There are very little words, no apologies, and what seems like not even a remote desire to solve their POC underrepresentation issues. Actor John Leguizamo said it best, 'If you don't have Latin people, there's no reason for me to see it.' We know who will be seeing the award shows, though. Rosalia will be front and center basking in the Latinx glory.

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How I Found Out My Childhood Struggles Were Actually Signs of ADHD

Throughout my life, my relationship with education was a complicated one, to say the least. It wasn't that I was flunking, but I always felt like I was clinging on by my fingertips. It was demanding, stressful, and overall seemed much more daunting than it did for my peers. I'd see the straight-A students, the effortless academic overachievers, and just couldn't comprehend how they made it look so easy.

Sitting at the back of the class, I was always the chatterbox. My weekly report cards routinely pointed out my constant talking and frequent distractions. These infractions were enough to earn me the "platica mucho en clase" stamp - labeling me a chatty parrot.

Similar behavioral issues seemed to follow me throughout elementary and middle school. How I navigated through it all, I can't say for sure. I made it to the other side, but if you asked me to recount the knowledge I gained, I'd draw a blank.

Seeing my brother, a model student who aced every exam and bagged every scholarship, only added to my distress. Although I wasn't failing, I wasn't at the top of my class either, and the emotional turmoil of just trying to keep up was indescribable. I chalked it up to me simply not being as intelligent as others and just accepted generalized anxiety, a good ol’ daily cry, and stress-induced IBS as a part of life.

My parents, perhaps not knowing any better, just accepted my fate. To this day, if the topic ever pops up, they’ll say I always had “a different kind of intelligence.” Now, despite how backhanded that sounds, they were referring to the fact that I was always more artistically inclined than my brother. Which is okay, I guess; not everyone has the same skillset, right?

But how I wish someone had recognized my struggles for what they truly were: the tell-tale signs of undiagnosed ADHD.

Growing up as a millennial, ADHD wasn't really a topic that came up in my school. The only thing we had to do was to shut up, sit still, and pay attention, or else risk failing the class. Funny thing, though, even when I did all those things, my mind was always on a field trip somewhere else. For a while, I'd sketch out what the teacher was saying. I'd create these intricate designs and images that helped stuff stick in my mind. But, sure enough, the teacher would snap at me to focus and quit doodling.

Eventually, I started doing this odd thing I only recently found out is called tickertaping. It's this phenomenon where you visualize the words you hear, speak, or think like subtitles in your head. As a visual learner, this helped me memorize things that otherwise would just slip through the cracks—especially when I wasn't allowed to doodle or write them down.

Overlooking an ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) diagnosis is just the beginning of a bigger struggle. Kids who show signs of ADHD, but aren't diagnosed, often get slapped with the "rebellious" or "problematic" label, which only makes things harder for them. Not to mention for girls, ADHD is severely underdiagnosed. Living with untreated ADHD affects much more than academic performance; it influences self-esteem, social functioning, career progression, and overall well-being.

In my case, even long after I entered the professional world, the lifelong struggle with academics manifested as bouts of depression, generalized anxiety, a list of stress-related health problems, and crippling imposter syndrome, all of which I have only recently begun to explore and to heal.

The coping strategies I came up with long before I was diagnosed—things like physical reminders everywhere, jam-packed calendars, neverending task checklists, noisy alarms, very strict routines, and various organizing gizmos—were my personal life savers in and out of the workplace. Funny enough, they all turned out to be textbook strategies for managing ADHD.

However, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my meticulously organized routine, it all came crashing down.

Suddenly, my day-to-day structure vanished into thin air. I was wrestling with keeping myself on track, staying focused, seeing tasks through to the end, and the missing reassurance of routine check-ins at work. My stomach was back in knots from stress, and the daily meltdowns, wondering why I couldn’t just get stuff done, came back with a vengeance.

After having somewhat learned how to manage my still-unnamed ADHD, this sudden shift made me feel like I was losing it all over again. When I started to seriously question what was wrong with me, I finally decided to seek help. That's when my psychiatrist ultimately diagnosed me with ADHD, providing the long-awaited explanation for my struggles and how they manifested in my experience as a child.

Looking back at my childhood with the insights from my therapist got me thinking about the many children in our education system that were labeled 'rebellious', 'lazy', or simply 'medio burros' (not that bright.) How many of us went undiagnosed, fighting an uphill battle against a rigid school system ill-suited for neurodivergent individuals?

Photo by Caleb Oquendo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/boy-running-in-the-ha...

ADHD stigma is a real thing, especially within the Latino community. Despite presenting symptoms at similar rates to white individuals, Latinos and other people of color are far less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. And even when diagnosed, they aren't as likely to receive treatment. The larger picture reveals significant inequities in healthcare, particularly mental health care, where racial disparities persist.

Undiagnosed ADHD can sometimes lead to risky behavior, drug use, mood disorders, and a host of other serious consequences. The lack of diagnosis and treatment can genuinely change the trajectory of a person's life, particularly in communities that already face significant challenges.

You see, in our community, many still view mental health issues as taboo, and ADHD isn't immune to this stigma. Whether it's an abuela insisting that a child just needs more discipline or a parent attributing inattentiveness to laziness, these ingrained attitudes can mask the true struggle a child or even an adult is enduring.

What's worse, the stereotype of the hyperactive, disruptive boy has been so deeply engraved in our collective understanding of ADHD that we often overlook it in those who don't fit this mold, particularly in girls or adults. A kid lost in daydreams or an adult who's perpetually disorganized isn't seen as a possible ADHD case but rather someone who needs to "get their act together." This mindset can delay diagnosis and prevent the necessary help from reaching those in need.

In sharing my journey, which I'm still on, my hope is to shed light on the often overlooked corners of ADHD, especially within the Latino community. Remember, being a little more "rambunctious" or struggling in the conventional school system doesn't make anyone less bright or less capable. It's simply a different way of experiencing and interacting with the world.

ADHD is real, and it's not just a kids' thing or a TikTok trend. It’s about time we normalize these conversations and start acknowledging the hidden struggles many of us face. After all, understanding is the first step to acceptance and, ultimately, to a happier, healthier life.

So, if you see yourself or someone you know in my story, don't hesitate to seek help. There's a whole world of support out there waiting for you—and it's never too late.

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Honoring Green Thumbs: Celebrating the Skill and Knowledge of Latino Gardeners

On April 14, gardeners and lucky people with green thumbs celebrated National Gardening Day. While it doesn’t usually garner a lot of attention, National Gardening Day is focused on encouraging others to get into some plants or into a garden to start their journey. We propose it should also be a time to honor the special skill and knowledge gardeners have, especially in the Latino community, where our connection to the earth is such a big part of the culture.

For far too long, gardening in the United States has been associated with Latinos, mostly Mexicans, in a very stereotypical way. While their work may be appreciated at a base level, there’s little to no recognition of the profound skill and dedication Latino gardeners bring to their craft.

After all, gardening isn’t just about trimming hedges or mowing lawns; it’s more complex than that, requiring a deep understanding of horticulture. Anyone who has done it will tell you that growing the kind of stunning garden that makes your neighbors jealous is hard work. It requires a certain kind of intelligence, known as naturalistic intelligence, which is the ability to understand and work with natural elements.

People with naturalistic intelligence are very sharp about identifying patterns and understanding what nature needs. This is why people who have this kind of intelligence are so good at not just gardening, but also farming, conservation, and more. Granted, gardening may not always be a calling for Latinos living in the U.S. Sometimes, it’s a means to an end, but there’s no denying that Latino gardeners have a connection to nature and know what they’re doing.

Latino gardeners, while often overlooked or underestimated, are responsible for making communities brighter and more beautiful by transforming ordinary spaces into thriving ones. Many of them have sharpened their skills through generations of family tradition, which makes their work even more special, having the skills passed down from their parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents and beyond.

Behind every meticulously manicured lawn or flourishing garden bed there are hours of hard work and passion for nurturing the earth. Latino gardeners often start their days before dawn, familiarizing themselves with every area they work with. Why? Because beautiful gardens are achieved by making the right choices not just for the land, but also for the owner.

Gardening is all about creating harmony and linking people to nature. If you really think about it, gardening is extremely focused on connection. The land is connected to the soil, the soil is connected to the plant, and the plant is connected to carers who help it thrive—not just the gardener but also the homeowners who continue the gardener’s work.

As we reflect on National Gardening Day, let’s take the opportunity to honor the invaluable contributions of Latino gardeners. Let’s recognize their expertise, their dedication, and their role in shaping our communities. In doing so, let’s also challenge the stereotypes that have marginalized them for far too long and celebrate the rich knowledge and culture they bring to the table.

Not to mention the love that many of them pour into the land; a land that isn’t their own, making that love even more worthy of appreciation.

So, here's to Latino gardeners blessed with green thumbs; the unsung heroes of many a garden across the United States!

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Celebrating Culture: Latine Festivals and Events You Shouldn't Miss

Luz Media

With Latinos being the largest ethnic group in the country, it’s not surprising that the community in the United States is loudly alive, despite the growing hostility incited by extremist politicians and white supremacist groups. But not even that can put a damper on Latino spirits. If there’s one thing Latinos love is any reason to celebrate life, which means, lucky for everyone, there are plenty of festivals and cultural events to choose from. We’ve compiled a diverse list of Latine festivals and cultural events in the U.S. that showcase the array of cultures that exists within the Latino community.

Carnaval Miami

Photo by Kwan Wallace on Flickr

Taking place in Miami, Florida, Carnaval Miami is one of the largest Latino festivals celebrating Caribbean culture in the U.S.. It celebrates everything that’s great about the city and its community. This event exposes people to the best Caribbean Latino food, fashion, art, music, and sports, so there’s something for everyone. It’s no wonder people from all over the world go to Miami to attend the many different events. Every year, you’ll be able to enjoy a colorful parade, dance performances, live music, authentic Latino food, domino tournaments, and more.

Fiesta San Antonio

Photo by Tim Wilson on Flickr

Fiesta San Antonio takes San Antonio, Texas, by storm every year for 10 days. It always takes place towards the end of March or beginning to mid-April. The dates change every year, so you’ll have to keep an eye out for that. Fiesta San Antonio is an unforgettable experience because it’s a citywide celebration that honors not only Mexican Latino heritage but many of the other diverse cultures in the city. This festival has a bit of everything, including parades, concerts, and cultural exhibitions. Overall, Fiesta San Antonio is a beautiful moment of togetherness and community, and it’s a lot of fun to see what each day brings.

Calle Ocho Festival

Photo by photo-gator on Flickr

While Calle Ocho Festival is part of Carnaval Miami, it’s its own event and it’s one of the best parts of the carnival. Calle Ocho Festival is the largest Latin music festival in the U.S. and one of the largest in the world, so you know you’re in for an amazing time. The festival takes up 15 street blocks, which you can explore at your leisure, finding not only food, but also live performances, folkloric dances, and more. It’s quite a celebration of Cuban, Puerto Rican, Colombian, and other Latino cultures in the area!

Fiesta Broadway

Photo by Omar on Flickr

Moving on to Los Angeles, California, we have the Fiesta Broadway event, which is one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the U.S. Over half a million people flock to downtown L.A. to enjoy live entertainment, carnival rides, delicious Mexican food, and traditional music and dance performances. This event not only showcases Latino talent, it also allows local vendors to shine. It’s a great time, it’s family-friendly, and it provides a variety of experiences to connect with Latino culture and the community.

National Puerto Rican Day Parade

Photo by Boss Tweed on Flickr

New York is no stranger to events of all kinds, and the National Puerto Rican Day Parade is one of the most iconic cultural experiences the city has to offer. This event celebrates Puerto Rican heritage and culture in New York City through colorful floats, traditional costumes, marching bands, and performances by Puerto Rican artists. This parade takes place on Fifth Avenue, and it attracts people from all over the country and the world. It happens on June 9, so it’s one of the most interesting events of the summer!

Latinafest

Photo by LATINAFest on Facebook

Back to Los Angeles, California! Latinafest is the ultimate celebration of all things Latina, and it highlights the achievements, talents, and contributions of Latina women. It’s a powerful event because it fosters unity, making attendees feel empowered and inspired by one another. Latinafest usually takes place in March, and it lasts a couple of days, so there are plenty of things to do. The schedule usually features panels with talented Latinas, a fashion show, salsa dancing, and more.

Cesar Chavez Day 

Photo by NOWCastSA on Flickr

Cesar Chavez Day is a commemorative holiday that celebrates the life and achievements of civil rights activist and labor leader Cesar Chavez. It happens on March 31 every year, and cities across the United States celebrate the holiday with events, marches, and even festivals to commemorate Chavez’s legacy. Cesar Chavez is an important civil rights Latino figure, especially for farmworkers and immigrant communities. Celebrating this day by joining local events is a great way to connect with the local Latino community!

National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed from September 15 to October 15 every year, is a time of celebration across the country. It highlights the contributions of Latin Americans in the United States, so Latino communities across the country organize events such as festivals, concerts, educational programs, and much more. Keep an eye out for local events during National Hispanic Heritage Month and join in to celebrate Latino heritage and appreciate Latino identity and a wide variety of culture.

Dia de los Muertos 

Photo by Fili Santillán on Unsplash

Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday and one of the most popular in the United States. Mexicans all over the country get together to honor deceased loved ones with altars, parades, and a great variety of performances. Cities like Los Angeles, San Antonio, Chicago, and San Francisco have some of the best events during Dia de los Muertos, but you’ll likely find something fun to do with the Latino community wherever you are in the U.S.

Sueños Music Festival

Photo by suenosfestival on Instagram

Last but not least, Chicago’s Sueños Music Festival is the go-to event for lovers of Latino urban talent. It takes place in May every year, but the dates vary, so you have to check and add it to your calendar. Sueños Music Festival offers one of the best Latino urban music experiences and top-notch opportunities for perreo. Over 25 reggaeton and Latin artists make up the lineup every year, so you’ll get to see some of your favorites live.

These 10 Latino festivals and cultural events in the U.S. offer authentic and fun immersive experiences. From exciting street festivals and parades to empowering events, they offer opportunities for people of all backgrounds to come together, celebrate, and embrace the richness of Latino heritage in America.

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Books Are Inherently Political: It's Why They Are Burned and Banned

Luz Media

Whether you’re an active reader who constantly engages in bookish online spaces like “booktok” and “booksta” or you’re a casual reader, you’ve likely heard someone say, “Keep politics out of my books!” at one point or another. This statement is usually uttered when readers are confronted about the kind of authors they support or about the lack of diversity in their reading.

However, it’s impossible to “keep politics out of books” when the very act of reading is political in itself. Throughout history, literacy has been connected to radical change, freedom, and social mobility.

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Image by expertbooksmuggler on Instagram

Reading books isn’t just a means of entertainment, escapism, or education, it can also be an act of activism. No political movement in history would’ve happened without educated people or a means to educate others and inspire action.

This is why many bookstores, libraries, and activists create and share reading lists to support movements. For example, with the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people, Palestinian stories and authors are constantly being highlighted in bookish spaces to raise awareness and educate people. Efforts like #ReadPalestine week, organized by Publishers for Palestine, is just one example, but individual content creators also share recommendations.

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In celebration of World Book Day, we discuss a few reasons why reading is and will always be political.

Stories are a reflection of reality and human experience

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At no point in time have war, disease, hunger, poverty, racism, injustice, etc., not been a part of our reality and human experience. Authors know these things either in theory or because they’ve lived them themselves. As a result, they inform their stories and are reflected in them. This is how, as readers, we’re exposed to an incredibly diverse range of human experiences through the books we pick.

It doesn’t matter if the stories are based in the real world or fantasy worlds, writers write what they know. Their experiences and knowledge of the world are always found in the stories they create in one way or another, and isn’t everything in our lives either caused by or affected by politics? Politics are involved even in the books we don’t have access to, or limited access to, because book banning, despite constitutional amendments that were supposed to protect against that practice, still exists and is flourishing.

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Authors pour political elements into their works, whether to expose an aspect of our reality for its ugliness or to reimagine it. For example, “The Hunger Games” books aren’t just about a young girl trying to save her little sister. They’re about totalitarian governments, genocide, political repression, poverty, surveillance, revolution, sacrifice to achieve societal change, and more.

Books offer political expression and inspire action

Image by bookedwithrook on Instagram

Image by bookedwithrook on Instagram

Political expression can be found in all kinds of books. Yes, even romance books. Love stories involve all kinds of characters and depict all kinds of relationships. They also reflect the qualities of ideal partners, which are highly influenced by society. Whether it’s people from different social classes falling in love, interracial relationships, and more, authors can and do explore social issues through their characters’ relationships.

Of course, political expression can be positive or negative. While stories can imagine a more just world to provide comfort and hope, perspective, or criticism of the issues that plague us, they can also reinforce, promote, or even seek to rationalize those issues.

Why? Because it doesn’t matter what the intention of the author is, reading is learning. Instead of learning to uphold harmful political views, values, beliefs, or even stereotypes, we should learn to challenge and dismantle them. What better way to do that than through books? Reading can make a difference in who we are and what we believe, being aware of that fact is a lot more productive than trying to separate reading from politics.

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Image by bookedwithrook on Instagram

Therefore, banning a book that explores one aspect of a relationship while allowing books that explore another is, in and of itself, a form of selective indoctrination. The selection of books can teach us to uphold harmful political views, values, beliefs, and stereotypes while offering no other perspective that challenges any of these views.

Reading and politics: an unbreakable union

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While reading is often done for entertainment or relaxation, many seek how to gain more empathy in books. Books allow us to explore experiences and perspectives that we wouldn’t otherwise have access to. That exposure can affect us deeply and inform the way we approach not only other people but also our contributions to society. Authoritarian regimes know this and have used book burning throughout history.

Today’s book banning is akin to piles of burned books reduced to ashes.

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Books communicate things about their authors and the world as it was at the time they were written. The very act of choosing a book is political. For example, choosing to read books that champion diverse stories when the publishing world is so white can be a political act. While books can provide comfort, enjoyment, relief, joy, and more, they’re also one of the many ways we can use our agency to affect change.

Books are one of the many vehicles through which we exercise our power to influence our community. On this World Book Day, let’s think more critically about the kind of stories we consume and recommend to others, and let’s vow to use books to promote diverse experiences, understanding, kindness, and positive change.

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That Cute $8 Fashion Nova Top Is Wreaking Environmental Havoc

Luz Media

Today is Earth Day, a day established in 1970 to celebrate our planet and remind ourselves that, despite billionaire side rocket projects and talks about moving to other planets, trillions of humans need this planet to survive.

Earth is facing unprecedented attacks on its ecosystems, from deadly ozone-attacking gasses to deforestation that’s literally ripping out the lungs of the world to a mountain of discarded polysynthetic clothes in the country of Chile that can be seen from the sky. For 14 years, no rain has fallen in Alto Hospicio or the surrounding Atacama Desert region, where tons of clothes are discarded from all over the world.

The dry conditions of the desert, coupled with the nonbiodegradable, predominantly synthetic, petroleum-derived fibers used in modern clothes, meant that the pile never shrank. Instead, for more than two decades, it grew, and with every discarded item, it grew so large it could be seen from space. Startups like Ecocitex are helping solve the issue by recycling discarded clothes and turning them into raw materials. However, the problem requires government action.

On that front, efforts have been underway since 2016 to add textiles to the Extended Liability of the Producer law, or REP law for short, which makes producers and importers accountable for wasting specified materials. Tomás Saieg, head of the Chilean environment ministry’s Circular Economy Office, said to National Geographic, “Converting Chile from a junkyard into a recycling hub would be the dream, but first we have to add textiles to the REP law.


Collective Devastation: Human Rights, Environmental, Late Stage Capitalism

Considering the speed at which fashion trends come and go, and the recent enormous transfer of wealth to billionaires from the middle and working class, it’s only natural that today’s shoppers would be happy to find affordable fashionable options that keep up with fashion trends.

Now add on deeply acculturated consumerism that has people fist-fighting over travel cups and coveting the latest fashion trend that a social media star just talked about, and we have all the ingredients for fast fashion brands to rise like flames for the fashion-hungry moths to gravitate towards.

Fast fashion, pushed by giant brands like Zara, H&M, Forever 21, SHEIN, Fashion Nova, ASOS, and more, has made these companies some of the biggest faces of modern consumerism. These brands are also some of the biggest representatives of unsafe working conditions and wage theft of workers who are often forced to work more than 75 hours per week.

The human devastation these brands, individually and collectively, are causing is, sadly, not being taken seriously by the consumers who continue to provide billions of dollars a year to each of these companies.

As that $8 shirt is shipped from across the world in plastic bags that will end up in landfills, the fast fashion industry also consumes around 93 billion cubic meters of water a year. That’s enough to meet the water needs of as many as 5 million people. Moreover, according to the UN, this industry is responsible for 2 to 8 percent of global carbon emissions.

Fast fashion’s water impact and carbon emissions are not the only issues, though. The environmental impact of this industry runs deeper, not to mention the social impact side of the coin. The more is known about it, the more informed decisions can be made.

The dark side of fashion needs as much light shone on it as possible.

The rise of fast fashion

Because of the clear harm that the fast fashion industry is causing, it’s one of the most talked about problems in conversations about fashion, sustainability, and environmental conservation. The term itself, “fast fashion,” refers to clothes that are cheaply and quickly made based on the latest trends, allowing brands to fully capitalize on the hype without making big investments.

While fast fashion has skyrocketed in recent years, it has been around since the early 1990s, starting with the fashion store chain Zara’s lighting-fast supply chain. The design, production, distribution, and marketing of fast fashion are lightning-fast, which is how fast fashion brands can offer so much variety at such low prices.

However, if there’s a piece of life wisdom that most people know, it’s that nothing in life is free, everything comes at a price. The price of getting dirt-cheap clothes quickly delivered to our doorstep is paid not only by the environment but also by millions of workers who barely get paid for back-breaking, often unsafe work.

The dark side of fast fashion

As a business model, fast fashion is undeniably profitable, but if we dive deeper, is the damage really worth it? From water depletion to carbon emissions, the industry is notorious for its trail of destruction. It’s also notorious for its waste. As of 2023, 97 million tons of textile waste pile up in landfills every year. This number is predicted to continue rising, with the average American discarding as much as 81.5 pounds of clothes every year.

Moreover, clothing usage has plummeted by almost 40% as people only use garments 7 to 10 times before they dispose of them. The lower the quality of the clothing is, the faster it’s discarded. By 2030, the fashion industry's global emissions are poised to skyrocket by 50% if nothing is done about fast fashion’s impact. When it comes to water waste, fast fashion accounts for 20% of global wastewater.

Image by 1percentftp on Instagram

Image by 1percentftp on Instagram


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Image by 1percentftp on Instagram

Image by 1percentftp on Instagram


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Image by 1percentftp on Instagram

Image by 1percentftp on Instagram


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Image by 1percentftp on Instagram


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Image by 1percentftp on Instagram

Image by 1percentftp on Instagram


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Image by 1percentftp on Instagram

Image by 1percentftp on Instagram


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Not only that, fast fashion also pollutes water resources due to practices like fabric dying and treatment, which involve chemicals. Those chemicals are infused into the water, including things like heavy metals, pesticides, dyes, oil, phenol, and more. In turn, that polluted water can contaminate streams and groundwater. If that water is used for irrigating crops, the food growing out of them will also be contaminated.

Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, which are staples in fast fashion, pose yet another threat. These materials take centuries to biodegrade, shedding microplastics with each wash. Those microplastics find their way into the oceans, contaminating marine life and ecosystems. It’s estimated that 35% of ocean microplastics come from textile laundering.

Of course, the impact of fast fashion extends beyond the environment. In developing economies, where much of fast fashion production takes place, exploitation is a huge issue. Forced labor, child labor, and awful working conditions are staples in the industry. As is often the case, marginalized communities bear the brunt of it.

A better alternative to fast fashion

As more and more people become aware of the high cost of fast fashion, the slow fashion movement gains more traction. This movement advocates for sustainable practices, mindful consumption, and ethical production. Leaning on slow fashion practices can be an antidote to the rampant consumerism fast fashion inspires.

A lot of people rely on fast fashion because they feel it’s their only alternative to creating a wardrobe. After all, high-quality pieces that are made to last are investments and they can be quite expensive. However, it’s important to remember those aren’t the only options. While saving up to build a more sustainable wardrobe is possible, alternatives like recycling, thrifting, and even renting clothes are great ways to exercise your power as a consumer to effect change. Of course, it’s also possible to abstain from buying clothes altogether when you already have a wardrobe you can work with.


No matter how attractive fast fashion may be, its cost to our planet and our fellow humans is a high price to pay. On this Earth Day, you can be more mindful of how your consumer choices accelerate climate destruction. You can also learn ways to decelerate it by creating more sustainable habits, such as adjusting your attitude about clothes, being more mindful of the clothes you buy, and choosing carefully what kind of brands you support with your hard-earned dollars.

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Latino Michelin Restaurants for High-End Dining Experiences

Dining at Michelin-starred restaurants promises a high-end foodie experience without comparison. Among the sea of options in the Michelin Guide, you’ll find plenty of Latino restaurants that offer traditional Latin American flavors or Latin American flavors with a bit of a spin to them. Elcielo Miami, Imperfecto, and Causa stand out with their Michelin stars. However, whether they have a star or not, these restaurants have the Michelin stamp of approval and they offer unique dining experiences. Here are some of the best options to consider:

Mexicosina

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Located in New York and founded in 2008 by Antonio Vilchis and his business partner Ismael Gonzales, Mexicosina is a powerhouse in south-central Mexican food. This restaurant is known for its vibrant decor and authentic Mexican feel. Mexicosina has a “Bib Gourmand” distinction on the Michelin Guide, which means it’s a quality restaurant. The Michelin Guide recommends the tlayuda from their menu, a dish that consists of a crunchy tortilla base topped with refried black beans, chicharrón, Oaxaca cheese, and more. You will also find standouts like goat stew, lamb barbacoa tacos, delicious salsas, and refreshing drinks like horchata, agua fresca, and more.

Casa Ora

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Also located in New York, Casa Ora is a Venezuelan restaurant founded by chef Isbelis Diaz and Ivo Diaz, her son. This restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide is known for its great variety of Venezuelan dishes, which are as authentic as they get. They even serve their food on artisanal pieces made by Venezuelan artist Victor Serrano, providing an experience for all the senses. Their empanadas are one of the standout dishes, but other popular options include asado negro, arepas, bollitos pelones, and more.

Dama

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Located in Los Angeles, Dama offers Latin American and American Contemporary cuisine. The restaurant is known for its Caribbean aesthetic and for how satisfying the food is, which earned it a spot on the Michelin Guide. They have a varied menu that includes delicious options like dry-aged ribeye, which can be paired with salsa verde for heavenly tacos, arepas, tostadas, empanadas, and more. Dama also serves some killer cocktails with Latin American vibes like piña colada, “Latin lover,” and more.

Llama Inn

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Another great option in the Big Apple is the Llama Inn, a Peruvian restaurant with a Bib Gourmand distinction. The Llama Inn is known for its modern ambiance and for taking Peruvian cuisine to another level. Chef Erik Ramirez brings his unique vision, providing fresh and fun dishes that elevate Peruvian staples like anticuchos, which are usually beef skewers, but Llama Inn offers options like beef hearts and scallops. They’re accompanied by coconut rice, corn, and salsa, reflecting Peru’s richness of ingredients.

Elcielo Miami

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Miami’s population is 70% Latino, so there are hundreds of Latin American restaurants to check out. If you’re going for a Michelin star experience, Elcielo Miami offers that. Founded in 2015 by Colombian Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, this restaurant is high-end and has earned one Michelin star. Chef Barrientos uses avant-garde cooking techniques and local organic products to offer an elevated experience of Colombian cuisine. “The Experience” consists of a variety of small bites that lead up to the main courses, telling a story with Latin American flavors. They’re known for their dramatic dish presentations and bold flavors, so it’s an unforgettable experience.

Azul Mariscos

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Located in Chicago, Azul Mariscos offers a Pan-Mexican menu that will blow you away. Their specialty is Latin-inspired seafood dishes, so that’s what they’re known for. Among the most popular options on the menu, there’s the grilled pineapple stuffed with octopus, Chihuahua cheese, and a delicious Chipotle sauce, and their incredible seafood paella. Every dish they offer has well-rounded flavors and impressive aesthetic presentations, not to mention the ambiance is vibrant and welcoming. Another great recommendation from the Michelin Guide!

Imperfecto

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In Washington, Imperfecto is the place to visit for Michelin-starred Latino dishes. Imperfecto offers the “One Michelin Star Experience” at their Communical Chef Table and it consists of an incredible tasting menu of over 10 courses. The menu takes you on a ride from South America to the Mediterranean, through a variety of dishes. Imperfecto is one of the restaurants under the Seven Reasons Group, which also includes the Seven Reasons restaurant, which offers a varied menu with dishes from Venezuela, Peru, and the Caribbean. That’s also worth checking out!

Habana

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Featured in the Michelin Guide and located in Costa Mesa, Habana is a bit of a hidden gem and it offers a taste of Cuba. Their menu provides a lot of variety, so you’ll find dishes like pork croquetas, empanadas with different kinds of filling, sandwiches, traditional options like ropa vieja, a dish that consists of shredded beef, sofrito black beans, buttered white rice, and sweet plantains, and much more. “El Churrasco” is another standout dish with grilled skirt steak, chimichurri, and corn on the cob; perfect for meat lovers! They also have “Mojito Mondays,” where they offer a variety of mojitos, including pineapple mojitos, toasted coconut mojitos, and more.

Cafe La Trova

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The Cafe La Trova is a great option in Miami if you’re looking for high-quality Cuban and Latin American dishes. Chef Michelle Bernstein is of Jewish and Latin American descent, so the menu features Cuban classics like lechon, which is braised mojo marinated pork shoulder, Cuban sandwich empanadas, arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), and more. Their range of Cuban-inspired cocktails and beers is also worth exploring!

Causa

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We’re closing this list with another restaurant in Washington! Causa has one Michelin star and it offers a tasting experience inspired by the topography of Peru. Chef Carlos Delgado created this experience to deliver a taste of Peru, where he was born, taking diners from Lima to the Andes and beyond. This one Michelin star tasting experience includes Peruvian dishes like causa, which consists of mashed potatoes topped with tuna tartare, and bomba rice. The tasting menu can also be paired with Pisco, which is a great opportunity to explore Peru’s national spirit.

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