Feminist Ideals in Latin American literature and history

The image of the woman in Latin America culture is one that has traditionally been quite askew from reality and ultimately alienating. Unlike the American feminine mystique, which was a media creation, the conceptualization of women in Latin American culture is one that is deeply engrained in the consciousness of Latin people. It is commonly referred to as marianismo, or "Mary-ism" referring to the idea that women must reflect the Catholic ideal of the Virgin …

…and cultural life ignored or trivialized and how in turn those women defies their position in society and rose to the top in search for a life as equals. Works Cited Esquivel, Laura. Like Water for Chocolate. New York: First Anchor Books, 1995. Ferre, Rosario. House on the Lagoon. New York: Plume, 1996. Hanke, Lewis and Jane M. Ransch. People and Issues in Latin American History From Independence to the Present. New York: Markus Wiener Publishing, Inc. 1992.