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In The Community
Trends have a knack for popping up out of nowhere and taking over our social media feeds in no time. Be it fashion, makeup, the latest dance craze, or a catchy new tune – they just sort of become a part of our everyday lives. What slips by a lot of people, though, is how many of these trends are actually born in communities that don't get enough of the spotlight.
Have you noticed a recurring pattern of popular internet trends being seemingly 'new,' yet strikingly familiar? More often than not, these 'trends' are deeply rooted in Latino and Black culture and subcultures. With social media, things can go viral at the speed of light, and everyone’s quick to jump on the bandwagon, often not bothering to dig into the origins of the trend. Sure, this can lead to people learning about new cultures and ideas, but it can also spread misinformation and foster ignorance about other cultures and their history.
So, let's take a moment to appreciate the origins of some viral trends and acknowledge the cultural influences that made them possible.
Slicked Back Hair (the “Clean Girl” look) and Baby Hairs
@melisekrem Sleek Bun Tutorial ✨ #sleekbun #cleangirlhair #cleangirlhairstyle #hairtutorial
Seeing women slick their hair back until not a single strand is out of place is like a throwback to our moms brushing our hair so tight it felt like it was glued to our skulls. Back in the day, being all "peinadas" wasn't a style choice; it was like mom's law.
Now, you've probably seen a multitude of influencers sporting slicked-back hair, dubbed the "clean girl look," or those meticulously styled baby hairs, courtesy of some gel and a toothbrush.
These hairstyles have been a staple in Black and Latino communities for decades. African American women have used this technique not only as a method of hair management but also as a significant expression of personal and cultural style. While Latinas, and particularly many Mexican-American Cholas, also notably sported slicked-back hair, usually nailed with hair gel or pomade, for that sleek and shiny vibe, a look that was all about showing you're tough as nails and exuding confidence.
Similarly, the increasingly popular “baby hair” styling had its boom in the '90s, when R&B and hip-hop were all the rage and Black and Latina women were coming up with some pretty detailed designs for their baby hairs. They'd use gel or whatever worked to shape their baby hairs into swoops, waves, or curls, framing their faces and really making their features pop. It was another way to flex their creativity and show off their sharp eye for detail.
Winged Eyeliner and Thin Brows
@spiciblondi me and my controversial brows 4 ever #thinbrows #y2k #mcbling
Winged eyeliner, or 'cat eye,' has become a must-have skill in the makeup world. However, its origins are not as contemporary as many might think. This look can be traced back to Ancient Egypt and was notably embraced by Mexican-American Chola culture in the 80s and 90s. Similarly, the thin eyebrow trend, often linked to the 90s supermodel era, was a distinctive Chola aesthetic long before it hit mainstream fashion.
Baggy Clothes, Flannel Shirts, and Bandanas
You know how fashion's like a merry-go-round? Old styles get a new lease on life; all spruced up and ready to be the next big thing. Enter oversized flannel shirts paired with bandanas. This trend might be the uniform of edgy influencers today, but its roots are firmly planted in Black hip-hop culture and the Cholo style of the Latino community, dating back to the 60s.
This combination was more than a fashion statement; it was a symbol of unity, identity, and resilience in the face of adversity. Black and Latine women would rock these, usually with high-waisted jeans and some blingy gold jewelry, adding a bit of swagger to the ensemble.
Brown Lips and Liner
Brown glazed lips and liner became a significant trend within Black and Latina communities during the 90s as a means of self-expression and cultural identity. The contrasting lip liner, often several shades darker than the lipstick or gloss, defined and accentuated the lips, a feature celebrated in these communities. This style was, and still is, a unique way to highlight the natural fullness and shape of the lips.
The choice of brown shades specifically was, in part, a rebellion against traditional beauty standards, which often favored lighter, more 'neutral' colors. Brown shades, on the other hand, better complemented the diverse range of skin tones found within Black and Latina communities, making this trend not only a fashion statement but also an assertion of cultural pride and self-love.
Today, as the brown glazed lips and liner trend is adopted by mainstream beauty culture, we're seeing beauty standards from these communities getting the limelight only when white or white-passing folks decide to jump on the bandwagon. The same styles that were once labeled as "ghetto" when worn by their originators are suddenly trendy, laying bare a beauty bias that puts whiteness on a pedestal.
It’s crucial to remember its origins and the empowering message it held for the women who pioneered it. The trend serves as a testament to the ability of these communities to redefine beauty standards and influence global aesthetics.
Hoop Earrings and Nameplate Necklaces
@girlsbeinggirly Wear mine literally everyday🫶🏼😍#thatgirl #aesthetic #fashion #inspo
We can't overlook the ubiquitous hoop earrings and nameplate necklaces. Hoop earrings date back to ancient cultures, but in modern times, they have become synonymous with the bold and beautiful aesthetic of Latinas. The nameplate necklaces, currently making rounds on social media, have long been a part of both Black and Latine culture as well, particularly in hip-hop fashion during the 80s and 90s. These pieces were more than accessories; they were declarations of individuality and self-pride. I mean, who doesn’t love their hoops and their cadenita?
So the next time you come across a viral trend, it might be worth digging a little deeper into its origins. These styles and aesthetics are not simply passing trends—they're enduring expressions of culture, identity, and history. By acknowledging the roots of these trends, we can appreciate them for what they are: celebrations of the rich diversity and creativity embedded in Black and Latino cultures.
A trend is only as influential as its reach, and it's clear these cultural styles have impacted us globally. So, here's a call to recognize, appreciate, and give credit to the vibrant Latino and Black communities whose stylistic innovations continue to shape global fashion and internet trends. As we appreciate and adopt these styles, let's ensure we're not just consumers but also respectful celebrators of the cultures that birthed them.
Shoutout to @veteranas_and_rucas for their inspiring collection of “herstoric homegirl imagery” showcasing the beautiful lives and incomparable style of SoCal women.
The emergence of goth culture within the Latina community is intertwined with the historical backdrop of Latin America. Born amidst socioeconomic instability and political unrest, Goth culture, with its emblematic black attire, a penchant for the darkly romantic, and roots in post-punk music, has woven itself into the tapestry of societies worldwide, offering an escape and a form of resistance.
Goth culture first made its way into the Latina community in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was heavily influenced by the Gothic rock and post-punk music scenes. This was a time when bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, and Bauhaus were gaining international popularity, and the messages of alienation and rebellion resonated with many Latina youth.
Gothic culture's fascination with the exploration of mortality, melancholy, and the macabre found a natural home within Latin America's cultural framework. From Mexico's Dia de Muertos to various folklore tales filled with haunting spirits and tragic love stories, gothic themes echo in Latine culture.
Throughout the years, many influential personalities have helped popularize this unique lifestyle, seamlessly integrating it into mainstream consciousness.
Kat Von D, a professional tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and TV personality, draws on her Mexican roots and remarkable gothic aesthetic to champion goth culture within the Latine community. From her distinctive fashion style and makeup to her thriving beauty line, she illustrates how this vibrant subculture can be an integral part of daily life.
Kat Von D’s husband, Rafael Reyes, or Leafar Seyer, also happens to be a talented musician and author that’s significantly impacted the Latina goth scene, particularly with his band, Prayers. They initiated Cholo goth, a compelling blend of goth and Mexican-American Cholo subculture. Through his work, Reyes addresses potent themes like violence, survival, and spirituality, offering a reflection of his experiences that resonates with the community.
Goth Latina influences are also making waves in the entertainment industry. Goth culture is becoming more visible in TV shows and movies. From Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams in “Wednesday,” to Jackie Cruz's Flaca in "Orange is the New Black.”
Influencers like Mexican artist Lupe Vasconcelos, whose horror-themed illustrations capture her cultural heritage; Fernanda Lira, the forceful vocalist and bassist for the Brazilian thrash metal band Nervosa; and Patricia Morrison, the Cuban-American bassist for the gothic rock band Sisters of Mercy, whose Cuban roots enrich her music.
Each of these figures continues to shape and diversify the goth aesthetic within the Latina community and beyond, underscoring the genre's global reach and cultural inclusivity. Not to mention the countless content creators showcasing their amazing style, talent, and artistry on platforms like TikTok.
@stylebyariam_ I wanna go see depeche mode so badly 😭 #latinagoth#gothstyle#hautecouture #hautegoth#altlatina#corporategoth#9to5outfit#officeoutfit#9to5outfitideas #pleatedmidiskirt#teddyfresh#drmartensstyle#heartshapedbag #springtransitionoutfit
Goth culture within the Latina community serves as a tool for self-expression, a challenge to societal norms, and a reflection of their diverse heritage. This aesthetic allows Latinas to disrupt traditional beauty standards often associated with vibrant, colorful imagery, embracing instead a dark romanticism that mirrors Latin America's rich and contrasting history.
Latina goth culture offers a unique fusion of traditional and unconventional aesthetics, showcasing the community's diversity. Its evolution and growth, spurred by prominent figures and pop culture, continue to draw more of the Latine community into its witchy realm.
The financial narrative of Latina women is more than just a story of numbers and economic data. It's deeply intertwined with histories of marginalization, inherited wounds, and the complexities of intersectionality. For Latina women, their financial experiences and challenges do not only pertain to their personal choices or immediate environments; it also carries the weight of generational money trauma.
Can the struggles of our immediate family shape our own relationship with money?
Women of color, particularly Latinas, have a distinctly unique relationship with money and finances. If persistent challenge was involved, this bond can inextricably be linked to a trauma response, one that has been woven into the fabric of their identities over generations. This isn't just about struggling to make ends meet; it's about living with the shadows of a past fraught with financial hardships.
These women don't just grapple with the present financial realities; they also bear the weight of the collective experiences of their ancestors — stories of deprivation, struggle, and relentless pursuit of better opportunities. Generations of living in low-income circumstances, facing barriers to quality education, and having limited pathways to homeownership have left a deep-rooted legacy of financial anxiety.
Many Latinas, whether first-generation immigrants themselves or descendants of immigrants, deal with an added layer of challenges. Language barriers, unfamiliarity with a new country's financial systems, and a pervasive fear of being perceived as 'other' create additional hurdles. These obstacles aren’t just about assimilating into a new culture but also about navigating the socioeconomic disparities often accompanying immigrant status.
Embracing leadership while battling wage gaps
Nevertheless, as societal structures shift and evolve, more Latina women are stepping up as the primary earners for their families. The increasing prevalence of Latina ‘breadwinners’ underscores the critical role they play in their families' financial well-being. Yet, with this newfound responsibility comes the shadow of the Latina wage gap, an unjust discrepancy in earnings that highlights the racial and gender inequalities deeply rooted in the job market.
Latina women earn significantly less than their white male counterparts and even less when compared to women of other racial backgrounds. This wage gap is a testament to the systemic disparities in the workforce and adds to the financial pressures Latina women can feel.
Navigating professional spaces as a Latina woman often means confronting the wage gap and a range of challenges that impact mental and emotional well-being. Imposter syndrome, the persistent feeling that one doesn't belong or is undeserving despite evident success, is a common phenomenon among Latina professionals. This internalized self-doubt and external prejudices can lead to toxic work dynamics, further exacerbating the stress associated with financial responsibilities.How can we take steps towards better financial habits?
Understanding the money struggles many Latina women have faced over generations is the first step. So, what can we do to feel better about our finances?
First, learning essential financial skills can make a big difference. Simple classes or online tutorials about budgeting and saving can help. It's also good to break the stigma around discussing personal finances and talk about money with friends or join groups where people share their financial wins and challenges. Finding a mentor, someone who's been there and can give advice can be a game-changer.
Another big step towards a brighter financial future is championing fairness in pay. When everyone gets paid fairly for their work, we all benefit. So, how can we make this happen? First, staying in the know is key. By understanding what people with skills like ours earn, we can better advocate for our worth. Voting plays a part, too, supporting those who fight for Latina equal pay in the political arena.
The Latina wage gap isn't just about numbers; it's rooted in deeper issues like discrimination, limited educational chances, and racial biases. This isn't a simple fix, but by supporting groups that push for equal pay and using social media to shine a light on these challenges, we can make a difference. It might feel like an uphill battle at times, but step by step, we can turn financial stress into a sense of empowerment and control.
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