The Latina beauty ideal of "feminine curves" is at stark contrast with the mainstream media's thin ideal. Therefore, Latinas must learn to navigate the two worlds - a task that often proves difficult.
"...Every time I get home from school my mom looks at me like I've disappeared. Seriously! She's all like "Mija! Mira que flaca estas, ponte a comer algo!" and she sits me down and makes sure I eat until i'm stuffed. It her dam tamales de corn, that get me every time. Here I am trying to stay in shape and stay thin - you know I've been hitting the gym everyday. To me at 5'3 being a size thick is pretty bad. My goal is to go down to a four, and even that doesn't come close to these 5 foot 8 size zeros I see walking around at school."
Lisa*
( Junior)
"I'm not even trying to loose weight anymore. Every time I get on a diet the first think to go is the booty! I'd be dead before you see me around here size 2 and flat assed!"
Lorena*
(Junior)
Navigating Ideals
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