Serpent wrote:...you've read Como agua para chocolate, right? How was it in terms of sexism? ...
Remember that the story in Como agua para chocolate takes place in the early part of the 20th century in Northern Mexico, which wasn't the most enlightened of times. So, yes, some of the situations are sexist and consistent with the attitudes of the time in which the story takes place. The author, Laura Esquivel, is an excellent woman writer. I read the book many years ago and also saw the film. I highly recommend both. I don't go specifically looking for or examining literature for sexist language. Not being a woman and not having that life experience as a part of my being, I am not as sensitive to it, obviously. Still, I have a mother, a sister, a daughter- many women in my life and I want them to be treated fairly and equally as people without regard to their gender. If I read something obviously sexist, I know it when I see it and I won't tolerate it in modern contexts.
Historical contexts are a different kettle of fish. In times past, women did not have equality, slavery and discrimination were rampant and institutionalized. I believe it is unfair to judge literature written in different eras within their historical contexts by today's standards. While we are trying to be more sensitive to people now, it's still a work in progress even today, but it is at least better today than it was in the past.
As to bringing diversity into your reading, most of your languages are European. Among the languages you speak, English, Spanish and Portuguese have the widest range of racial diversity. There are many good writers who are African and/or of African descent in the diaspora who are writing in these languages. That's a good place to start.
On a side note, I, myself, made a conscious effort many years ago during university to bring more diversity into my reading and music by deliberately seeking out more women authors and singer/songwriters. As to racial diversity in reading, without knowing what your tastes are, I hesitate to recommend any specific books or writers, but it can be easily researched. I commend your desire to bring more diversity into your reading. It leads to greater understanding. Appreciating diversity brings a lot of joy into my life and I learn a lot from it too.