Culture Conflict: Looking Latina

At Latinas Uprising, we talk a lot about forms of assimilation and how to “look” like an attorney.  These discussions aren’t done because we believe that we should erase all forms of individuality or culture from our appearance; rather they are provided as a way to give guidance for those that haven’t had the chance to interact with the legal profession and want to learn how to be accepted by the legal community.  Ultimately, the goal is to help people learn what it takes to be accepted as an attorney, but also encourage empowerment so that you are the one that decides what your appearance will entail, regardless of what the status quo expects.

I know focusing on appearance can seem misplaced, but many Latinas face a real struggle in deciding what part of our cultural identity and physical appearance we must alter in order to be granted access to positions of power within the law.  The perfect example is Justice Sotomayor:  during her confirmation hearing she was highly encouraged to not wear her preferred red nail polish and to wear understated jewelry.  Other Latinas face similar admonitions where we’re bluntly told or it’s subtly implied to change our appearance because our natural look is not good enough.  A study conducted by the Hispanic National Bar Foundation found that many Latinas are encouraged to downplay their ethnicity by straightening their hair or feel pressured to dress ultra-conservatively so as to not be hyper-sexualized.   

So, on the one hand we have to assimilate in order to gain admission into this exclusive club because we’re not the ones in power and we don’t get to set the rules. But on the other, it’s kind of bull that we have to change our appearance or reject our own cultural fashions–i.e. fashion proudly worn by our mothers and sisters–just because the status quo doesn’t consider our natural looks “professional.” Instead, we’re fed this idea that we must adhere to this professional etiquette/business dress code, which is really just another tax imposed on women of color; a further barrier to keep us from truly belonging.  It’s crap.  And I think once we feel comfortable in our legal skills, we should do our best to push back and question these expectations.

My favorite example of pushing back comes from Justice Sotomayor, who after her confirmation,  approached President Obama and made it a point to show off her bright red nail polish and her hoop earrings; telling the president that he had “no idea what [he had] unleashed.”  I mean, that’s awesome.  But we can’t all wait until we’re appointed jobs for life before we start rocking the boat! Instead, consider taking small steps that reject the status quo while embracing your cultural identity:  

one.  Wear your hair natural. I have hair that can be described as big, crazy, wild, curly, frizzy, etc. When I was in school it was strongly hinted that I straighten it during oral arguments so that it wouldn’t be “distracting.”  My hair isn’t distracting–it’s just not straight.  Since graduation, I’ve simply stopped accepting the idea that my hair, in it’s natural form, can’t be professional.  I may still straighten it occasionally (just because I feel like it), but I have stopped straightening it just because I’m going to court or attending some professional event.  I want people to see that being professional can include wild, curly hair.    

two.  Wear subtle but non-traditional jewelry.  There is a real idea that professional women only wear certain styles of jewelry that are very understated (and expensive):  diamonds, pearls, and fancy watches.  But in many of our cultures, our jewelry is bolder–we may wear colorful or intricate pieces.  And how many of us wore golden hoop earrings from infancy to college? I know I did.  Until I was shamed into not wearing them.  But we shouldn’t be shamed in adhering to styles that are familiar to us.  So, wear those hoop earrings (a la Sotomayor), the statement pieces, or even religious medallions that remind you of family and culture.  

three.  Be bold and wear color.  Lawyers are encouraged to wear drab hues, but I see more and more Latinas in power wearing a variety of bold colors.  Colors can make a powerful statement, and by bucking the trend you not only stand out– you can assert your place as a power player.   For those of us trying to test the water and not look completely out of place– consider scarves, an occasional colorful blouse, etc.  Slowly add this change to your wardrobe and maybe you’ll be emboldened as well!

What are some ways you’ve had to change your appearance to fit in?