Overcoming Stereotypes and Embracing Identity

The speaker shares her journey of aspiring to be an actress despite facing stereotypes and societal challenges. She recounts her first audition experience, where she was asked to conform to a stereotype. Despite initial struggles with typecasting, she found success with roles that reflected her true identity, such as in 'Real Women Have Curves' and 'Ugly Betty'. These roles highlighted the demand for authentic representation, yet the industry was slow to change. The speaker realizes the need for systemic change and advocates for embracing one's true identity as a superpower.

What was the speaker's childhood dream?

• To be a dancer

• To be an actress

• To be a writer

• To be a singer

During her first audition, what was the speaker asked to do?

• Sing a song

• Speak in Spanish

• Sound more Latina

• Act more sophisticated

What kind of roles was the speaker often considered for?

• Roles in comedies

• Lead roles in major films

• Stereotypical roles

• Complex and multidimensional roles

What was significant about the role of Ana in 'Real Women Have Curves' for the speaker?

• It was a role that required her to speak Spanish

• It was a role that required her to sing

• It was a role that required her to be exactly who she was

• It was her first role in a comedy

What was the impact of 'Ugly Betty' on the industry according to the speaker?

• It led to many more shows with Latina leads

• It was not well-received by audiences

• It was a critical success but did not lead to significant industry change

• It was the first show to feature a Latina lead

What does the speaker suggest is the role of representation in media?

• It has no impact on society

• It is only important for awards

• It only benefits the actors

• It teaches us how to see ourselves and dream about our futures

What does the speaker believe is necessary for systemic change?

• Identifying the good and bad guys

• Questioning our own values and beliefs

• Ignoring the current system

• Creating new stereotypes

How does the speaker view her identity by the end of the talk?

• As a disadvantage

• As irrelevant

• As a superpower

• As an obstacle

What realization did the speaker have about the system she was trying to change?

• She was indifferent to it

• She was trying to destroy it

• She was asking it to let her in

• She was asking it to change

What does the speaker encourage others to do regarding their identity?

• Embrace it as a superpower

• Resist it

• Change it to fit in

• Ignore it