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Selenidad Symbolism

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In the book Selenidad author Debra Paredez discusses the difference between Latinidad in general and the type that originated after the death of popular Tejano performer, Selena Quintanilla. Paredez's depiction of an accepted non-White femininity can be used to better understand what it is to be Latina. In addition, Paradez describes Selenidad as a reconstructed symbolism that transcends various groups within the Latino/a community as is seen in modern popular performances.
Rita Moreno, Gloria Estefan, and Jennifer Lopez are women who in the past have shown that it is possible to be Latina and popular among the dominant culture. Yet, we do not speak about, "Ritanidad" or "Jenniferdad" because, as Paredez explains, in the U.S. a person is not …show more content…
Lopez, digital artist Alma Lopez expresses her desire for Latinas to embrace their commonality in spite of differences created by origin and tradition. In her essay Cristina Serna demonstrates how the traditional and religious symbol of La Virgen de Guadalupe was reconstructed by the three artists to be used as symbol for Latina unification, "[They] give her new life and meaning...to represent feminist and decolonial struggles,..." (Serna p.168). The appropriation and reconstruction of traditional symbols used by the dominant culture has always been strategy employed as a call for unity. Tey Marianna Nunn who wrote an article for the anthology Our Lady of Controversy explains how the traditional image of La Virgen de Guadalupe was used by Father Miguel Hidalgo to rally Mexicans to fight against their Spanish masters and for their independence (Nunn …show more content…
Selenidad has more to do with the unified voice of the Latina community than Selena Quintanilla herself. It is a sign of that united power as displayed after Howard stern's remarks when U.S. Latinas (and Latinos) shouted "Enough!" It is a concept that represents their dreams and expectations like the young Latinas at the Selena audition. It is a symbol of self-assertion against domination as is explained by gay Latinos and Latinas. It is used to describe a new type of Latina femininity as effectively as the reconstructions of La Virgen. It defines and is defined by the community it stands for, working-class Latinas, because, for now, it is owned by them and not the dominant

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