1) Please explain what you do for living.
I am a Ph.D. Student in Political Science at the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil. My research focuses on Comparative Political Behavior, Public Policy and Latin America.
2) How important in your identity is being Latino?
I think until answering this question I have thought little about my identity as a Latin woman. What is more common to me is to think of myself as a Brazilian citizen. Which, in a way, is thinking my identity as Latina.
3) Is there something that you particularly value of your nationality or being Latino?
One of the things that I love about being Brazilian, and about Latin Culture more broadly, is the importance of showing affection to our families/friends and our history and culture. We value our traditions of popular culture, food, and festivities. It is our way of being a community and become more closer to each other.
4) Have you been treated differently because of being Latino (in the workplace, in public settings…etc.)? If so, can you describe a situation?
Unfortunately, yes. Besides the jokes about negative Latin behaviors put as patterns in small talk, a few times people assume and comment, in social encounters, that I am in the US to look for a husband because I am Brazilian. Not because I am studying or working. It may be seen as a joke, but perpetuates a negative vision of Latin women in general.