In her new book “Tías and Primas: On Knowing and Loving the Women Who Raise Us,” author Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez explores the archetypes of Latina women found in Latino families, aiming to pay tribute to the strong, smart, and fearless women who shaped her world. She challenges stereotypes such as La Matriarch, the Tía Loca, the pretty prima, and the perfect prima, seeking to embody the complexities and nuances of these relationships.
Mojica Rodríguez draws on her own experiences growing up among tías, primas, and other relatives to shed light on the important role these women play in Latino communities. She highlights the societal expectations placed on women to be silent bearers of secrets, and aims to bring humanity into the labels often assigned to them.
The book, set to be released on September 10, delves into the multigenerational nature of Latino households, where families are built on strong bonds between tías, primas, and other relatives. The presence of aunts like la tía serves as a source of support, love, and guidance within extended families, and plays a significant role in helping younger generations navigate life’s challenges.
Mojica Rodríguez hopes that “Tías and Primas” will spark conversations about the complexities of being Latina and contribute to healing the traumas caused by sexism, racism, homophobia, and colorism within Latino communities. Through her writing, she seeks to celebrate the intricacies, nuances, and quirks of family relationships, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the women who raise us.
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