David Livingston/Getty ImagesEva Longoria is standing up for what she believes in.
In a Huffington Post op-ed published Tuesday, she defended Devious Maids, which she executive produces, against criticism it's a "wasted opportunity" to bring diversity to TV.
"Devious Maids is a show that centers on five (count 'em), five Latinas who are bonded together by their jobs, their ambitions, their dreams and their life struggles," she explained. "The five women are maids by occupation only; it is what they do, not who they are."
"Are maids a realistic reflection of Latinas in America today??" she mused. "Yes, but they are not a reflection of every Latina."
"Stereotypes are constructed and perpetuated by those who believe in them. I choose not to," she wrote. "The only way to break a stereotype is to not ignore it. The stereotype we are grappling with here is that as Latinas, all we are is maids. And yet, this is a show that deconstructs the stereotype by showing us that maids are so much more."
"I take pride in the fact that this is the first show to feature an all-Latina lead cast," she added. "I take pride in the fact that these characters are not one-dimensional or limited to their job title."
"Are Latinas teachers, and doctors and lawyers in America today? Yes." she continued. "Should their stories be told as well? Absolutely. But, this show is called Devious Maids, not 'Latinas in America.'"
Eva concluded by reiterating that Devious Maids is not "a wasted opportunity; it would be a missed opportunity if we didn't tell the stories that haven't been told."
Preach!