#SundayHotTopic

In this post, I dive deep into a thought-provoking Threads post by lupita.reads on July 13, 2024, about the NYT list of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century, which features only four books by Latine authors. Not going to lie after the bit of shock ran through my body, my second thought was, ‘Figures.’ That thought was filled with sarcasm and bitterness only a vinaigrette would know. Yet, this revelation also got me reflecting on my own journey as a Latine writer, recalling a moment at a writer’s conference where a publishing expert deemed my Spanglish stories “unmarketable” in the US.

Reflecting on My Journey

The NYT list revelation was a stark reminder of the challenges we face as Latine authors. Despite our rich and diverse cultural heritage, our stories are often overlooked or deemed “unmarketable” by literary gatekeepers. It’s that damn if you do, damn if you don’t thing. I remember sitting in that conference room, feeling a mix of frustration and determination as I heard the expert’s words that what I wrote should be sold in Latin America and not the US. It was a pivotal moment that fueled my resolve to write authentically, regardless of market trends.

The Challenges of Writing Authentically

Writing authentically in a landscape where Hollywood and literary gatekeepers often misrepresent Latine culture is no easy feat. Our stories are complex, infused with a mix of languages, traditions, and experiences that don’t always fit neatly into mainstream narratives. Yet, it is this authenticity that makes our stories powerful and unique.

And it is this authenticity that will eventually grip the ideal readers’ hearts and have them coming back for more. It’s like tasting mole from my mother-in-law versus tasting mole from a progressive white lady in California. Once one tastes the real thing, returning to imitations is hard. Unfortunately, breaking through the imagined idea of what Latine is and who are Latine is is the hard part because biases have been so ingrained, but there’s a solution.

Taking Ownership of Our Narratives

Taking ownership of our narratives is crucial for the public to truly understand and appreciate our stories. By telling our tales in our own voices, we challenge stereotypes and provide a more accurate representation of our culture. It’s about more than just being heard; it’s about being understood and valued for who we truly are.

Accepting the Full Umbrella

The Latine umbrella is vast, with various subcultures underneath it. Oftentimes, as Latine, we self-reject and attach ourselves to the mainstream culture in order to survive. But if we accept the entire culture: Black Latine, Indigenous Latine, LGBTQIA+ Latine, Disability Latine, and not just White Latine, it will send a correct message to the world about who we truly are. Also, this acceptance will start chipping away at the cartoon figure of Latine that Hollywood and other kinds of misrepresentation have caused us.

Breaking Down Barriers Through Tenacity

The notion that our tales are not marketable is a barrier that needs to be broken. It’s time for marginalized voices to be heard and celebrated. By pushing back over and over against these outdated notions, we create space for more diverse stories to be told and appreciated. We pave the way for future generations of Latine writers to share their experiences without fear of being deemed “unmarketable.”

Conclusion

Join me as I explore the challenges and triumphs of writing authentically. Let’s break down the barriers and push back against the notion that our tales are not marketable. It’s time for marginalized voices to be heard and celebrated. Together, we can change the narrative and ensure that our stories are recognized and valued.