'Hot Latina' Under Construction

I was wondering if Gloria from Modern Family would come up when we discussed the "hot Latina" stereotype in class. I even had a YouTube clip ready to go. This item on Yahoo!--in which actor Sofia Vergara is seen without makeup--is fascinating on multiple levels. First, it reveals her hair is naturally blond and her skin is fairer than it appears on the show, which is interesting in itself because it shows how the role has been constructed.

In addition, here's what the student says:

This actress plays a hot vamp on the show Modern Family. It's almost like she broke a law because she was out in public without her hot seductress hair and makeup. And regardless of ethnicity, why isn't it okay for a woman to go out in public without her hair and makeup done?

Great point -- it's as if she's breaking character and breaking rules about femininity.