Christina Aguilera, Jessica Alba, Demi Lovato, America Ferrera and Gina Rodriguez are five of Hollywood and the music Industries most successful Latinas. However they share a common concern, check out what each has to say below.
Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato was just a toddler when she listened to the tunes of Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla, but the music and her Mexican culture resonated with the singer.
“I’m really proud of my heritage, especially the way that the Latino community is rising above politically.
“Even though I don’t speak fluent Spanish, I love singing in Spanish. I love being able to represent the curvy sassiness of a Latina woman. It’s just a part of who I am, and I couldn’t be more proud to represent that.”
Gina Rodriguez
Gina Rodriguez received criticism for not being a fluent Spanish-speaker, however she shut down her critics and stud up for herself.
“You want to tell me I’m not Latino enough? Why don’t you stop speaking and look in the mirror and speak to yourself, because you’re telling me something that you actually probably feel about yourself.
Because hurt people hurt people. … I am as Latina as they come. And I am not defined by anybody’s definition of Latina. I don’t actually sit in a definition. I walk in my world, happily and confidently,”
Jessica Alba
Although Jessica Alba is a third-generation Mexican-American, she’s spoken out against critics who feel she doesn’t represent her roots by taking on Latin roles or speaking Spanish.
“No one gives Cameron Diaz a hard time for not speaking Spanish,” she told Latina. I was telling her I feel so bad because everyone is so nasty to me for not speaking Spanish.”
More recently. She recently said in an interview “I’ve always felt closer to being a Latina than anything else, because I grew up with my dad’s family, who are Mexican American. I never identified any other way.”
Christina Aguilera
A few years ago Christina Aguilera famously addressed those who have tried to make her feel like she isn’t Latina enough. “I’ve dealt with that [criticism] my whole life. I don’t speak the language fluently And I’m split right down the middle, half Irish and half Ecuadorean.
I should not have to prove my ethnicity to anyone. I know who I am.” The unapologetic singer added, “All I know is no one can tell me I’m not a proud Latina woman… I dove headfirst into a Spanish-language album for that reason and I’m planning another one even though I don’t speak the language. I’m sure that doesn’t sit well with some people.”
America Ferrera
Before America Ferrera became a household name, the actress said about balancing embracing her American pride with her Latin roots.
“There’s this tug-of-war between two cultures. Am I Latin? Am I American? What the hell am I?” she said.
“I love my culture and I’m very proud of my culture… I want to learn so much about where my family is from and my roots and to know Spanish. But when you’ve lived your entire life in American schools, you don’t get that.”
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