Latine Storyteller Breaks Silence, Challenges “Lo Que Pasa en Casa” Culture
LOS ANGELES, CA – Katherine G. Mendoza, an Ecuadorian American writer and producer, is challenging a deeply ingrained cultural expectation within the Latine community – the silencing of uncomfortable truths under the banner of “lo que pasa en casa” (what happens at home stays at home). Mendoza, whose recent work has garnered attention for its raw honesty, argues this mentality has stifled artistic expression and hindered healing from generational trauma and harmful societal norms like machismo.
Mendoza’s journey to publicly address these issues was spurred, in part, by the viral success of her series, which she credits to both her own bravery and the support of her recognizably famous father. The series tackles arduous themes like abandonment and “daddy issues,” offering a fresh perspective that “renegotiates the narrative of ‘the united Latine family.'”
“It’s easy to say her content went viral wiht much help from her recognizably famous father.Still, it was the behind-the-curtain take only she had the right and bravery to share, along with her father’s support, that helped her challenge the ‘lo que pasa en casa’ mentality,” Mendoza wrote in a recent essay for Popsugar.
Mendoza emphasizes the diversity within the Latine community, asserting that it is “not a monolith.” She believes it’s crucial to share stories that reflect the “darkness, awkwardness, rawness, realness” often hidden beneath a facade of unity. ”Some of us have unfamiliar stories that need to be told to give our community its true, varied humanity and help us all heal through laughter,” she stated.
Taking a meaningful risk,Mendoza is now transitioning her work into theatrical monologues,unafraid to confront deeply personal experiences. She recently shared a joke on TikTok about her father’s advocacy for her mother’s failed abortion as a means of avoiding parental obligation, a revelation she anticipates will draw criticism.
“While I recognize that many family members and bystanders will judge my choices, I must honor my truth, even if it ruffles a few feathers,” Mendoza explained.
She stresses the importance of respecting others’ humanity while simultaneously asserting her right to share her own narrative. Mendoza believes humor can be a powerful tool for processing pain, but only when coupled with authenticity. ”Some of us use humor to hide our darkness, but we can’t be afraid to let our bold truths shine through,” she wrote.
Ultimately, Mendoza advocates for a shift in perspective, urging the Latine community to move beyond the constraints of ”lo que pasa en casa.” She views the custom as a “coin with two sides,” acknowledging its potential for protecting privacy, but ultimately arguing that the fear of “el que diran!” (what people will say) is holding the community back.
“It’s time to kick that custom to the curb,” Mendoza concludes. “Art flourishes when it’s relatable and healing, nonetheless of how it’s perceived. It’s not about putting on a front; it’s about embracing the truth, about having the guts to challenge the norms that ‘lo que pasa en casa’ throws at us to keep everyone else comfortable.”
Katherine G. Mendoza is a seasoned writer and producer with over a decade of experience in social-frist storytelling, with her work appearing in publications including The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Variety, Univision, Telemundo, Huffington Post, and Uproxx.