Local author to discuss book on traditional expectations of Latinas | Kulick

There is an event planned for Thursday, Sept. 5, at 5:30 p.m. at the Eastern Monroe Public Library (Hughes Library) located at 1002 Route 611 in Stroudsburg that will focus on the cultural construct of Marianismo. Marianismo may be a word that you, like me, have no idea of its meaning. The definition explains it as a traditional gender role in Latin American and Hispanic cultures that describes the ideal behavior for women.

Author Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez has written and published the book "Modern Marianismo: Its Relevance and the Connection to Impostor Syndrome and Perfectionism."

Dr. Bonilla-Rodriguez is a familiar figure to many local residents from her service as a member of the East Stroudsburg Area School District School Board and a resident of Pike County. In 2014 she was recognized as a Coors Light Lideres (leader) finalist and is the recipient of numerous awards including a proclamation from the NYS Assembly, Proud to be Latina, Soy Poderosa award as well as many others, including contributing to the Huffington Post . She has also appeared as a national speaker about this and related subjects as well as having served as an appointee to Gov. Tom Wolf’s Latino Commission, where she served for six years, chairing the Statewide Education Committee.

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The book challenges prevailing stereotypes and encourages a critical examination of the complex interplay between gender roles and societal expectations. She delves into the cultural construct of Marianismo and will offer a nuanced exploration of the deeply ingrained society expectations placed on women.

Additionally, the work allows her to dissect the notion that women are sacrificial and nurturing figures, systematically conditioned to prioritize the needs of others over their own. In a recent podcast with Jackie Tapia, Bonilla-Rodgriguez discussed the cultural barriers, societal expectations, and pressures that hold Latinas back. Bonilla-Rodriguez highlights as well that Marianismo affects not only Latinas but all women.

The presentation will provide an opportunity to hear more about the three ideologies addressed in the book, Marianismo, perfectionism and the impostor syndrome, and how they impact individuals both in our lives and career paths. The program will allow as well for a community discussion about the ideologies and will allow for a book signing following the presentation.

This event is being presented in partnership with the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, FLECHA, Youth Infusion, and Pocono Latin Fest and Rebel Stages.

So, pencil in the date and time. Take this opportunity to meet and talk with the author in person as well as learn more about the topic at hand.

Debbie Kulick is an EMT who writes a weekly news column for the Pocono Record.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Local author to discuss book on traditional expectations of Latinas | Kulick