How do you feel social media is leading conversations about race and ethnicity today? (i.e. #BlackTwitter, #LATISM)
Social media is where the most progressive (and not-so-progressive) conversations about race and ethnicity are happening today. College classrooms come in a close second. The relative anonymity, while detrimental at times, does provide enough of a safe space to talk about race and ethnicity that wouldn’t be possible in real life because of stigmas, negative reactions, etc. A negative @-reply on Twitter isn’t the same as someone scoffing to your face (though it may feel that way at first). So, in the comical, non-PC moments of Twitter race convos, we can find some of the most honest and salient points on race and ethnicity. It’s the epicenter of #realtalk.
How do you identity? Do you consider yourself Afro-Latina, or use another term to describe your race and/or ethnicity?
I absolutely identify as Afro-Latina. I’ll answer ‘yes’ to Black. I’ll answer ‘yes’ to Latina. I’ll answer ‘yes’ to Dominican. And since I’m a naturalized citizen, I’ll answer ‘yes’ to American.
Who inspires you?
My parents. This Afro-Latina 90s news anchor named Mary Santana (I named my Barbies after her); I find inspiration in my peers all the time.
Which Latina matriarch do you most identify with and why?
Like on TV? Movies? For me it’s with music. I’ve always had an affinity with Celia Cruz. Celia never changed herself. From a girl singing in Cuba to a diva on the big stages of NYC, she was herself; loud, unapologetically black and with the confidence and swagger of a million-woman army. She was like a grandma I didn’t live with.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
I would tell younger KO to not fear failure so much. I would tell her to start that blog in ’06, and not be afraid of her opinions, or how they’ll be received. And I would tell her to ignore that hot bartender in Puerto Rico, that dude was trouble (laughs).
You can follow Karla on Twitter at @K_Ova. Check back next week for our next “Everyday Chica” profile. If you’d like to nominate an Afro-Latina to be featured in this section, email aintilatina@gmail.com or contact us on Twitter or Facebook.
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