El Grito del Gato
I’ve been getting cat called since I was 11 or 12 years old. I’d walk down 181 St. in Washington Heights and immediately hear hisses and feel stares.
“Ay Mami!” hollered men as they leered, “Tu con tantas curvas y yo sin frenos.”
When I was in high school one guy even chanted, “Whoop! Whoop! Pull over that ass is too fat.” Little did I know that he was serenading me with a Trina song!
Back then, it wouldn’t have really mattered what his choice in music was. I was mortified. It was bad enough that I had glasses, braces, frizzy hair and my body was still developing. I didn’t even want anyone to look at me, much less check out my cuerpo! I wanted to fly under the radar.
It always seemed to be the Latino men who were making the sassy remarks back then. To this day I wonder if that’s one of the reasons I’m not attracted to my fellow hombres. I never date Latino men – I’ve never even really been interested in dating a Latino man.
I feel a bit guilty because of my weakness for gringos. Am I selling out? Losing or giving up on some of my roots or culture because of this? Perhaps I should broaden my horizons?
The crazy thing is, now that I’m 27, I actually embrace cat calls. If someone wants to acknowledge that I’m attractive – then bring it on! I’m confident enough to accept flattery on the streets. And I live in New York City and let’s be honest; in this town, everyone’s ego needs a little fluffing once in awhile.
Un Abrazo Fuerte,
Lex
I used to like gringos but then I got over it. I like my Mexicano even though I’m Salvadorian. Maybe I haven’t found the gringo for me.
I have to say that growing up they use to call me Lisa Lisa or sing “Fly Tet@s” and I would go home and cry.. Cuz it made me feel that I was too big. I started to cover my body walking a bit hunched over just to hide them!! Well, now I’m fine with it! But, I do look back and I think if they would’ve been a bit more silent growing up I wouldn’t have been sooooo self consious. I embrace my curvsious body and am proud to look the way i do.
And maybe that is way I never dated latin men. lol but, that has changed since I got separted from my italian ex-husband!! A man will be a man… with their crazy ways. So, I’ve tried to date latin guys and they’re all the same.
I just enjoy being a single mom strutting NYC with my head up high and not caring what these men think or say….
bye.
I don’t think that makes you a sell out. its just you. you can’t control who you like. but maybe if you find yourself single don’t immediately turn down that papi chulo give him a chance.
Dating a Latino or not dating a latino does not strip you of your Latina card!
Chica you are Latina and you own it no matter who your bed buddy is!!!
I love all men Latino! They are just so handsome and I like their color against my skin. the only thing is trying to find a tall one.
wow!! kudos on the change from embarrassment to embracing the cat calls!! growing up i was insecure about it too… not that i’m so grown up but everyone changes and grows in their own ways… and i surely take credit for mine being that life changing around us is never easy for anyone.
i dont think you’re a sell out for dating outside your Latina background. it happens. things in your path have brought you here…. i say run with it!
coming from a very specific religious background, as it seems you have, makes it hard for even You to just be fine with venturing out of the norm from what you grew up with. my parents and grandparents are all Mexican… being that my grandmother immigrated from Mexico in the 40’s…… i wonder how hard it will be for my neices and nephews if they ever decide to date outside our culture!
my vote is…. DO WHAT WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY ENOUGH TO HOLD YOUR HEAD HIGH!!
Aw, I love all you chicas! Thank you for making me feel like I’m not a weirdo!!! Sinvergüenza — Sam is a pale Italian so I loooove comparing my honey complexion to his pasty skin! =)
I think it is great to appreciate men of all cultures! There is something to be learned of every man…different looks, styles, cultures, interests. Attraction has to be there initially, chemistry is everything, and as someone previously said-you like what you like!!! i would have to say that my experience with Latinos and Mexicanos has been less than favorable on several different levels. But, that is only my personal experience. There are some warm hearted, good latin men! I just haven’t found one for me…I am open to dating them when there is an attraction! What really matters is how a man treats you!!!!
I grapple with the non Latino men issue all the time. Honestly, I would have loved to find a smart, attractive, educated, latino male, but they are hard to find! I fell in love with my gringo and at times its hard to relate. Would I take it all back? No, he makes me feel loved and it learning to speak spanish.
and with the cat calls……I love them, keep them coming! It is when they stop when I will get worried!