Did you know that there are over 3 million Latin Americans living in Europe [1]. Most of them reside in Spain, Portugal, and Italy, but there are also significant communities in other countries, such as France, Germany, and the UK [2].
Latin Americans in Europe are a diverse and dynamic group, with different cultures, languages, and backgrounds. They contribute to the social and economic development of their host countries, as well as to the cultural diversity and richness of the continent. However, many Latin Americans in Europe also face discrimination and prejudice based on their appearance. This is a form of injustice that affects their well-being, opportunities, and rights. Appearance discrimination, also known as lookism, is the unfair treatment of people because of how they look. It can include bias against people who are overweight, have tattoos or piercings, wear certain clothes or hairstyles, or have a visible difference or disability. It can also include bias against people who belong to a certain ethnic or racial group, such as Latin Americans. This can manifest in stereotypes, insults, harassment, exclusion, or violence.
Appearance discrimination can have negative consequences for the victims, such as lower self-esteem, higher stress levels, poorer mental and physical health, lower educational attainment, lower income, and lower job satisfaction [3,4].
Appearance discrimination can also have negative consequences for the society as a whole, such as reduced social cohesion, increased inequality, decreased productivity, and wasted human potential.
Appearance discrimination is a violation of human dignity and human rights. It is also illegal in many countries, including those in the European Union [5].
However, appearance discrimination is often overlooked or ignored by the public and the authorities. It is sometimes seen as less serious or less harmful than other forms of discrimination. It is also sometimes justified or rationalised by cultural norms or personal preferences.
This needs to change. Appearance discrimination is a real and serious problem that affects millions of people around the world, especially those who are already marginalised or vulnerable.
"We need to raise awareness and challenge appearance discrimination wherever we see it. We need to promote respect and acceptance for diversity and difference. We need to celebrate beauty in all its forms and shapes. We are all human beings who deserve respect and dignity. We are all beautiful in our own way. We are all Latin Americans in our own way."- Giselle Alaniz
Thank you for your support and attention.
Until next time, Gigi
References: 1. Ethnic groups in Europe - Wikipedia
5. EU Charter of Fundamental Rights - European Commission https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_groups_in_Europe
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migration_from_Latin_America_to_Europe