Slate Daily Feed Death, Sex & Money | Sex-Positive Parents, Crass Grandparents, and a Weird and Wonderful Childhood
Sep 2, 2025
Tamara Yajia, a comedy writer and author of the memoir *Cry for Me Argentina*, shares her wild tales of growing up in a loud, crass, and sex-positive family. She explores the hilarious yet chaotic moments of her childhood spent between Argentina and the U.S. Tamara reflects on her intense relationships, the complexities of her mother-daughter bond, and the impact of her upbringing on her identity and creativity. Through candid anecdotes, she navigates humor, nostalgia, and the trials of being a failed child star.
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Beloved, Inappropriate Grandfather
- Tamara's grandfather urged her to visit red light districts and report back during her first Euro trip as a teen.
- He was a boisterous, inappropriate presence who deeply loved and spoiled her.
Ambivalence Over Simple Judgments
- Writing the memoir forced Tamara to hold both affection and critique for her family simultaneously.
- She learned to sit in ambivalence rather than assign simple blame.
Child Performer Fueled By Mom's Dreams
- Tamara began performing at about nine and sang adult-themed pop songs in revealing outfits as a child.
- Her mother treated Tamara's stage career as fulfillment of her own thwarted performer identity and prioritized publicity over the child's safety.
