Hispanic Men

hard-working

abusive, drunk and/or absent father figures

abusive

This single-story has been apparent to me my entire life, but it became clear to me that it was a problem only recently. There was a new guy in my singles ward and we were talking about him in my apartment, naturally. ;) One roommate expressed her interest in him and quickly another roommate told her to be careful with this particular guy. He is from Mexico and she explained to her that Hispanic men have tendencies to abuse their wives. I was so surprised that this stereotype was being taken so seriously on someone that none of us had even spoken to.
Having served my mission in Guatemala, I am well aware of the single-story for Hispanic men. In pop culture they are looked down on because they possess the "dated" ideal called machismo. Most stories that feature this stereotype are ones that showcase the younger generation either succumbing to or rising up from this stereotype, needless to say, it is NOT a positive single-story:

It is interesting to note that the only time this single-story is showcased is when it is shown as being overcome. It almost seems like American pop culture ahs created this single-story in order to put down hispanic culture and elevate american culture. Especially with the influx of hispanic immigrants, the mixing of the two cultures has created a dichotomy in which the American culture seems to always prevail. The social implication is that this single-story challenges the younger generations of hispanic males to despise their culture and embrace american culture. It also puts older hispanic men in a rut full of judgement and the inability to progress.