Despite the diversity that exists within the Latino community, Gina Rodriguez believes Latinos in America have at least one thing in common.
“We can put someone in office, we legitimately have that power,” the actress said in a recent interview with The Huffington Post. “But although we are not all the same and we don’t have the same slang, we don’t have the same food and we have different religions and political backgrounds, we all share the same struggle in America. And that is a struggle of being identified and personified and perceived as very specific stereotypes. I think that is the reason why there is the hate and the racism.”
The 32-year-old star applauds Latino influencers who are helping to shatter those stereotypes and speaking out against some people’s perceptions.
“I feel so proud of all the Latino voices that are speaking up, Wilmer Valderrama, Eva Longoria, Demi Lovato, J.Lo, and America Ferrera,” she said. “Everyone is getting involved and using their platform to explain that that struggle that we all go through ― which is that perception, that stereotype, the way that when we walk into a store someone follows us around ― that [struggle] will not change unless we change the perception of Latinos.”
Rodriguez stressed that the fact that so many Latinos are continually typecast in the United States is a big reason to stand united politically.
“We have to unify because that’s a struggle we all walk with,” she said. “We all know that struggle. We all know what it’s like to be discriminated against. No matter what color Latino you are, no matter what religion Latino you are or political background, so let’s not forget our brothers and sisters that go through that struggle because that struggle bleeds on to us regardless.”
The actress said it’s vital for voters to be aware of what their candidate represents for everyone’s future.
“I think that’s really important for us during this election to remind ourselves of what kind of world we want to live in,” she said. “The truth is that sadly politicians will always have their perception. All politics have a certain dirtiness to them, and it’s sad that we’re living in an election where we are clouded by that in all parties, which makes me very sad. But there is an option [that will] create a more peaceful unity than another option. I think that’s very clear.”
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