Interview

Interviewee:
Eneida Rodriguez - New York City Senior Attorney

What do you think is your role in society? How about as a Latina?
My role in society is to be a caring and supportive member of my family and the people who are close to me. The first 12 years of my life I lived in Panama , around a Spanish speaking culture. When I moved to the United States , I grew up in a Black culture. I don't have a very strong sense of being a Latina myself. I feel more as a black woman and separated as a Latina because of my mixed background.

Have you been affected academically and/or professionally by your race and/or gender?
Academically: In high school, I wanted to take French Regents exam and the teacher did not want me to take it because he felt I had a lower average than the rest of the people who were taking the Regents. I ended up taking the exam and received a 93 in the exam. Afterwards, I took it to the teacher and teacher was furious. Professionally: When I was in Law School, the people who looked like me were seen as the 10% who were going to fail out. It ended up occuring that it was 7% and not 10%. It was hard for them to succeed.

Do you consider yourself successful?
Based on my background, I do feel as if I am successful.

Has being Latina attributed to your success or motivated you to wanting to be more successful?
It has attributed to my success because the Civil Rights Movement was at its strongest period while I was in school. At the time, I was very motivated to excel because of all the progress that was being made. Doors were beginning to open and I decided to take advantage of them; unlike the obstacles that was there before.

Have you had any major Latina role models?
No. My biggest role model was my grandmother and she was from St. Lucia.

How do you think the media portrays Latinas? Are there any positive portrayals?
I feel that the American media are currently portraying Latinas a lot better than before. However, the Latino media does not portray Black Latinos in a positive way. They remain stereotypical and not taken seriously.

Do you relate or agree with any aspect of how they are portrayed?
I do not relate to it because I see myself as an individual, since my background makes me unique. Even though people say there are many things in common, all Latin American countries are different and the language is the only thing that really holds us together.

Who do you think is a positive image of Latinas in the media?
Salma Hayek. She is very down to earth and appreciates her Latina roots as well as other cultures. She is a very open person and is not out there trying to be a diva.

Why do you think the media focuses on the sterotypical Latina in contrast to the successful, strong woman who are present in the world today?
Latinos were the last ones to come to the United States . White women progressed for many years. They were not allowed to work until the start of the World War. It is a progression of time with each group.

Do you think it is possible for the Latina stereotype to change?
Yes. It is possible that Latinas might strike a lot faster than any other group in history. They are able to assimilate a lot better.