Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez, a Nicaraguan author, challenges stereotypes about Latinas in her new book, “Tías and Primas: On Knowing and Loving the Women Who Raise Us.” She showcases the smart, strong, and fearless women who shaped her world, such as her grandmothers, aunts, and cousins, in an effort to pay tribute to the women in Latino families. Mojica Rodríguez seeks to explore the archetypes that exist in Latino families, such as La Matriarch and the pretty or perfect prima. She aims to peel back the layers behind the way female relatives are categorized in society.
Growing up in a working-class, Evangelical household in Miami, Mojica Rodríguez explores the complex and nuanced experiences of Latina women through her work. She emphasizes the importance of family relationships, particularly in Latino households where multigenerational living arrangements are common. Mojica Rodríguez hopes her book will spark conversations about healing traumas caused by sexism, racism, homophobia, and colorism within Latino communities.
The role of tías, or aunts, is highlighted as integral in Latino families, serving as second mothers, negotiators, and sources of love and guidance. Sociologist Gloria González-López notes the powerful influence of women within extended families and the importance of embracing chosen family members as part of the community. Mojica Rodríguez encourages aspiring writers to keep writing and sharing diverse stories, despite the lack of representation in the publishing industry. Through her work, she aims to celebrate the complexities and quirks of Latina families and promote discussions about identity and healing.
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