15 Feminist Lessons From Elena Alvarez

THIS is the character we've been looking for.

1. On becoming a woman

Netflix / Via pbs.twimg.com

“You missed it. I was 12, I was in gym, and ironically, it happened in first period”

2. On Buffy

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“Well, it’s an allegory for how strong women are in constant battle with an oppressive, bloodsucking, male-dominated society."

3. On dolls

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Elena as the doll: "My body proportions aren’t representative of a typical girl my age!"

Elena: "At least you know."

4. On love

Via autostraddle.com

"When I think about love…I see myself…Someday…Loving a woman."

5. On being a total badass

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"Not that I buy into the aristocracy of the Ivy League, but it will be rewarding to turn Harvard down."

6. On tiaras

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"Mom, a tiara is a backward symbol of how women are only valued for their beauty. And now that I’m wearing one…I don’t care."

7. On video games

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"But we’re still sharing that PS4. I like video games, too. Girls like video games, too. Don’t you even."

8. On automobiles

Via wordpress.com

“OK, mom, this is not just a car anymore. It is the symbol of the oppression that the bonds of marriage have placed upon you as a woman."

9. On body hair

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"I mean, I thought it was cool that you were blurring gender lines with your upper lip...But this [Penelope going on a date] is great!"

10. On 30-year-olds

Via remezcla.com

"I mean, it's well-documented that women in their late 30s are in their sexual prime."

11. On being a strong and independent woman

Netflix / Via latina.com

"You keep saying that you want me to be this strong, independent woman like you. And then, when I tell you that I don’t want to be a part of something that I think is a misogynistic cultural ritual, you tell me to shut up, do it anyway."

12. On being a strong and independent woman (pt. 2)

Netflix / Via pride.com

"He rejects me, I full-on fake cry, Abuelita feels guilty and boom! I escape the patriarchal tradition of having to be escorted to my quinces, and instead grow out my unibrow and read a poem about Frida Kahlo!"

13. On family

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"We'll...We'll do the whole thing. The ceremony, the stupid Watlz. We're gonna show them what single mothers can pull off. I will dress like a child bride for you, mom!"

14. On complimenting boys

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"You know, you look not that bad."

15. On the patriarchy

Netflix / Via wordpress.com

“It’s much more subtle now. Men assert their power through microaggressions and mansplaining.”

16. Elena, thanks for keeping it hella relevant.

Via latina.com