Latinos are defined by their work because of the needs they have, not by their true abilities. I think many Americans believe that because a person is Mexican, they're naturally good at picking fruits or cleaning houses. They only ever got that good, if ever the case, because that was all they were allowed to do. Therefore, since many Latinos didn't have very many choices regarding their jobs, they grew into stereotypes, almost forcefully. It is no one's fault in the present-time these stereotypes have become to be what they are; Americans have stereotypical notions because of a history embellished with suppression. If I'm understanding the question correctly about the influence of broader perceptions, I don't think these stereotypes influence broader perceptions, rather I think they limit Americans' view on Latinos and Latino culture. There is so much more to any type of people than the work they do, whether that is by choice or need. Perceptions should definitely change, as I believe they already are with the more open-minded Americans. People get stuck in a way of thinking and it can become difficult to change a way a generation thinks about things, which makes the work all the more harder for people trying to break the stereotypes. Oftentimes the Latino youth believe they must become that stereotype because that is their destiny or because they feel as if society doesn't expect much more from them. This kind of thinking leaves few choices for them which is to rebel against everybody, live up to the stereotype, or with enough luck and support, they can really break free and live up to their own dreams instead of a limited stereotype.
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