Bella DiPalermo
My final project allowed me to reflect on the enduring impact and growth of the Latinx community in the US and worldwide. In this class, we often discussed the arts and how they have influenced change and served as a symbol of belonging for many adolescents and adults alike. Specifically, seeing one’s community represented and celebrated globally creates a sense of hope and space for people to dream. We see this when watching Spiderman into the Spiderverse, reading Latinx comics, viewing theatrical performances with Latinx representations, and ultimately listening to Latin music.
Within our class, we often reflected on generational change. My project showcased this well. As a member of Generation Z, I witnessed a massive increase in minority representation despite there still being a long way to go, especially when considering stereotypes portrayed in the media. The artists showcased in my video share how much they value their Latin culture and yearn to share it with the world. They express how it brings joy and especially attaches to emotions.
Moreover, they speak of the importance of staying loyal to their cultural sounds despite creating English-translated versions of their music. This conversation shows the dynamic of being mixed race and/or having dual citizenship. We have discussed feelings of grief on both ends of the spectrum and feeling loyalty to multiple cultures and races we are a part of. These artists had to finesse their style in a way that would pay homage to numerous places and cultures at once. A critical example of this is Selena Quintanilla-Perez, an artist featured in my video, known as the” Queen of Tejano Music.” She successfully created Tejano music, which combines stylistic elements from Texas, the United States, and Mexico.
My video also features a segment from Jennifer Lopez and Shakira headlining the Super Bowl and an earlier interview. This interview brought me back to our discussion based on the Nueva York audios Tony Schwartz recorded in mid-20th century New York. This is because Lopez’s family is Puerto Rican. In her interview, she talks about how proud her family would be to see her on the stage at the Super Bowl, referencing them all watching as a family when she was younger. Watching a Puerto Rican woman raised in the Bronx proudly hold and dance with the Puerto Rican flag at one of the most significant, most popular events in the United States was heartwarming. The actions in this video are a stark contrast to the poor treatment Puerto Ricans receive in the recordings by Schwartz. By way of the tapes, one learns how Puerto Ricans were silenced by fear of the white gaze and made to feel shame for their loudness, which people had labeled to be an inferior trait. Lopez takes back this narrative in an unforgiving, bold way.
Overall, my work served as an excellent closure to this class. I have learned so much about the struggles and triumphs of the Latinx community. This project allowed me to look back and appreciate Latinx culture’s many beautiful contributions to this world, music being one of them.
Published by