By Jan Peña-Davis –

Latinas- we come in all shapes, sizes, colors and stereotypes. Some true and others simply ‘entertainment’- or so many believe.

But where would we be, ladies, without our males- our counterparts- our sons, brothers, fathers, abuelos, tíos and best friends?

And I don’t mean the typical stereotypical male image of a gang-banging, drop-out, drug-using, irresponsible underachiever that leads night-time news, throwing up gang signs proud to be a ‘King’ a.k.a. the description many people apply to all Latino males.

Nope ladies, I’m talking about guys like 17-year-old Jose Villaseñor, who composes music and hopes to become a playwright some day.

I asked Jose how he managed to avoid the pitfalls many of his peers succumbed to.

He looked me straight in the eye and without hesitation, shyness or fear responded.

“I saw the same results of decisions that many of my friends made and chose not to follow the group trend.”

Whoa, pretty bold for a high school senior attending a school riddled with gang activity.

“I care about other people,” he continued.  “I was taught that, and my parents expected certain things from me since I was a kid.”

The sincerity of his answers appears unrehearsed. His careful choice of words, calm demeanor and soft smile seemed to fit right in with the ‘baggy pants’ fashion style of the day along with earring and funky haircut.

“I’m a just a typical guy,” he smiles.

Perhaps he is.

Although Jose still lives at home, he has a two-month old son, Angel, with his girlfriend.

“Spur of the moment unprotected sex,” he sighs.  “Every decision is made by both of us and if I miss the time I’m supposed to spend with my son, I make it up. That’s important to me.”

Parenting is shared because both are still in school.

“I didn’t grow up with my dad in the same household, but he played an active role in my life,” Jose said.

Jose says his future plan is to marry, but right now he’s pretty content.

“I get to work, write and look forward to spending time with my baby and my girlfriend.”

“You know, she’s a foster child yet she doesn’t fit into that ‘negative’ Latina stereotype that we’re use to,” he adds.

I ask about his future.

“My future…”

He nods his head, and a slow smile creeps across his face.

“My future…college, open a barber shop, write,” he says.  “And I’m hoping that my son follows in my footsteps.”

I wondered what that meant.

“I’d be pretty happy if my son follows his dream.”

That, ladies, is a typical Latino male!!