Marriages Gone Awry - Lopez & Longoria-Parker

Two seemingly happy, stable marriages end within a few weeks of each other - Eva Longoria-Parker and Ann Serrano Lopez file for divorce this November.  Eva Longoria-Parker ends her 3-year marriage with San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker after a 7 year relationship.  Ann Serrano Lopez and George Lopez file for divorce after 17 years of marriage. While both circumstances seem different, both are hugely disappointing due to the very public relationships they have lived. 

Eva and Tony spent the last 3 years in the public eye; happy pictures of the couple sharing their cultures, love of basketball, and supportive relationship flooded tabloids, tv shows, and the media for the past three years.  Though not terribly shocking that Tony cheated on Eva (this M.O. is popular for professional basketball players), it is pretty disturbing that such a positive, beautiful, caring woman like Eva was the victim. Parker was allegedly sending text messages to a former teammate's wife and had cheated on Eva before. It was also sad to see Eva talk about her love for Tony on Ellen just a week before the announcement. You can't fault the girl for trying - she was really in love.

For George and Ann, no details about the divorce have been announced, other than "irreconcilable differences." After 17 years of marriage, one wonders what exactly could not be reconciled. She gave him a kidney for crying out loud! But as with most marriages/relationships, no one really knows what goes on behind closed doors. They say they will remain partners in the various charities they manage.

As with all celebrity marriages, it is EXPECTED that they end sooner as opposed to later. It just makes me sad that our wonderful Latino/a couples are no different in this realm. I guess it's up to J.Lo and Marc Anthony and Penelope and Javier to prove us wrong...and for some of us those hopes still rest with our grandparents and/or parents. Our perhaps for those of us who have yet to tie the knot - it may lay within us (just stay realistic)!

That a marriage ends is less than ideal; but all things end under heaven, and if temporality is held to be invalidating, then nothing real succeeds.

-JOHN UPDIKE, Too Far To Go

The Strain and The Fall - AMAZING!

Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan kill it! Literally! I just finished reading "The Fall" the latest installment of The Strain Trilogy. These books do not follow the typical vampire mythology. I figured that I should read something scary around the Halloween holiday - and I chose correctly. The virus breaks out in NYC (of course) but the characters are like none others in any other vampire stories out there. The authors really take advantage of the diversity of NYC in the backgrounds of the characters. There is a former Mexican wrestler who plays a large role in the second book - complete with Spanish slang and wrestling culture. I cannot wait until the final installment set to come out in 2011 - The Night Eternal. I also think that with Del Toro's amazing directorial eye, once these books are turned into movies, people will look at Vampires in a whole different light.

Mondo Guerra - Project Runway Inspiration!

Today, Thursday, October 28th, 2010 television history will be made. Okay, maybe not television history, but definitely Latin pop culture history will be made as Season 8 of Project Runway comes to a close and the winner of this season is announced. If you have been following PR this year, you are well aware that the most talented person this season is Chicano Mondo Guerra. You also know that he's not just a talented fashion designer but he has also been an inspiring young person to admit for the first time to his family, on national TV, that he is HIV positive.

http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/project-runway/season-8/video/extended-judging/episode-10/mondo-guerra

Setting aside all that has happened this season I think it is fair to say that he is probably one the most talented designers this show has featured. His styling, color combining, architecture and sewing abilities are unmatched this season - and in my opinion - any season. He has a knack for combining color and pattern: 

His story is also remarkable. He mentions often that his parents were strict Catholic parents raising him to be "macho". In the show featuring his mother's visit, he talks about the difficult decision not to share his HIV status with his parents for fear of disappointment and sadness. However since the show aired several articles feature interviews with Mondo explaining just how supportive his family really is: 

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/10/27/1891987/project-runway-finalist-relieved.html

http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2010/10/mondo.html

And even with this going on in his life he has stayed true to his culture. The line that will be featured at Bryant Park in tonight's show pulls inspiration from traditional Mexican holiday Dia De Los Muertos. 

So tonight - Project Runway - Team Mondo!

FTP (s)- Republican Racists

Racist Ad 1   Racist Ad 2  Racist Ad 3

It is incredibly racist not to mention inaccurate to vaguely cite Harry Reid's voting record with immigration. She is obviously not concerned with Nevada's Latino population. She is ignorant and I find those few images of "illegals" she used repeatedly offensive.

Its so offensive that the Colbert Report featured it as well: The Colbert Report - Fear Tactics!

I hope to God and Coatlicue that Nevadans come to their senses and realize that these types of Republicans do not solve problems, they just perpetuate the problem with ignorance and intolerance. If you must vote Republican at least chose someone with values, like respect for others and their situations. People who understand the greater context of problems facing our country- for example: YOU ARE NOT GETTING RID OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. Since that's not going away, figure out who we can assist people with a work-to-citizenship pathway and the deportation of felons. Fear mongering doesn't solve problems - it make her look tough on crime but in reality it makes her a bigot.

Little does this ad show about the many families that are coming to the US for work and family. The hundreds of children that make this voyage. Controversial ads does not make you a good politician - practical public policy-making and coalition building does.

So finally in the words of George Lopez - "F*#$ That P%&a!" or "F#$% Those P@#$s!"

Random Rantings and Ravings

I am in the mood to randomly rant and rave about a few things...

To begin with Jan Brewer and Arizona. Did you catch her crazy debate intro? Arizona wake-up! Do you really want to have a governor who is like that crazy drunk lady you see walking around the hospital with her best clothes and jewelry on but you know is clearly drunk off her meds? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUPKKbmWMZ8 WOW!

Jesus on TrueBlolood (Kevin Alejandro) is a witch - it's unclear if he practices black magic or is some kind of good witch. While I am happy that there is a Latino with a steady role on the hit series, I hope he turns out to be a good witch and not some crazy brujo.

 Jarrett Barrios - president of GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) shared what being "Latino" means to him http://mylatinovoice.com/politics-and-us/25-lo-que-es/2270-hispanic-heritage-voices-what-latino-means-to-glaad-president-jarrett-barrios.html  To have a Latino in this critical role in a mainstream human/civil rights organization is outstanding!!

El Museo Del Barrio opens its new exhibit with keynote speaker Justice Sonia Sotomayor. http://en.terra.com/latin-in-america/news/sonia_sotomayor_opens_exhibit_on_history_of_latinos_in_nyc/hof11717


President Obama speaks to Latinos!
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iGT8J7TNP37640wWuQd9Z-XEtIEgD9I8ND700
http://tucsoncitizen.com/in-the-aggregate/2010/09/17/obama-tells-latinos-to-keep-up-the-heat-on-him-and-dems/

A Trip Down Memory Lane...

If you are a child/teen of the 1980s then you will enjoy this little walk down memory lane...sit back and relax and think about your big, hair-sprayed bangs, plastic bracelets, high-top sneakers with rolled up jeans and your rat-tail (guys). 

Latin Freestyle!

That's right Latin freestyle is the topic today! Why? Well, because every once in while its a good idea to remember all those Latin@s who made a huge impact on American music, style, and culture. Mostly however, because I have a play list on my iPod dedicated to Latin Freestyle that has over 100 songs. Now, what is Latin freestyle you may ask? Well, the following definition is a good one and it comes from:   http://digitaldreamdoor.nutsie.com/pages/best_dance-free.html

Definition: - Freestyle music is a form of hip hop dance (Latin hip hop, Latin pop) that originated from the electro-funk of Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force's 1982 seminal track "Planet Rock". The style is characterized by Latin percussion, heavy syncopation, and themes of romance, love, and partying. Latinos make up the majority of the fans as well as those in the industry although the music has been popular to a certain extent with blacks and whites, particularly Greeks and Italians (especially during freestyle music's beginning stages). Freestyle music peaked in the mid to late '80s and saw a revival in the mid to late '90s but went virtually underground ever since. 

I think that's a fair definition except that I don't think it has gone as underground as everyone thinks. Thanks to Miami, NYC and LA many radio stations keep the music alive and dedicate large portions of their on-air time to the genre. Also the music has come to influence many, many artists...Pitbull? But what I think is most remarkable about this time/genre and its success is that it was led largely by female artists:  Lisa Lisa, Debbie Deb, Trinere, Cover Girls, Expose, Lisette Melendez, Sweet Sensation, Judy Torres, Cynthia and Lil' Suzy just to name a few. 

And let's talk about the songs...they were so pure and so innocent for the most part! Overall they were just good songs, written for anyone to enjoy. They weren't overtly sexual or demeaning to women; they didn't talk about getting high or drunk; they were feel good party/love songs.  So below I give you my top 10 Latin Freestyle songs! Check out the link above for a list of 100!!

The Realist's Top 20 Latin Freestyle Songs (In order of favorites!)

1. I'll Be Loving You - Collage

2. Temptation - Corina

3. When I Hear Music - Debbie Deb

4. Lookout Weekend - Debbie Deb

5. Come Go With Me - Cover Girls

6. Don't Stop the Rock - Freestyle

7. Where Does that Leave Love? - George Lamond

8. Take Me in Your Arms - Lil Suzy

9. Let the Beat Hit 'Em - Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam

10. Together Forever - Lisette Melendez 

11. I Wanna Be the One - Stevie B. 

12. You are the One - TKA

13. Louder than Love - TKA

14. Silent Morning - Noel 

15. Summertime Summertime - Nocera

16. Mambo (Es Hora De Bailar) - Angelina

17. Do You Miss Me? - Jocelyn Enriquez

18. All Cried Out - Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam

19. I'll Never Get Over You - Expose

20. Sending All My Love - Linear

Jennifer Lopez Behind the Music - Interesting...

A couple of weeks ago, VH1 debuted Jennifer Lopez's Behind the Music episode. I rolled my eyes and thought, "Puhhhleez, I'm not gonna spend my time watching her talk about herself." Well then I got sucked in - not by her nasal-pinched voice, but by the story of her domineering Puerto Rican mother and her drive to do what she wanted despite her parents' wishes. I was pleasantly surprised to hear her mother's side as well. She wanted success for her daughter and a life full of happiness. Jenny from the block is now in her 40s and has had quite a bit of success. And despite the fact that I feel that she is not a great singer, she is a great entrepreneur and should be recognized as an entertainment industry giant.

Check out the list I put together a year or two ago about Latina/o Fashion Icons...J.Lo is definitely on the list!

 Latina/o Fashion Icons

Here's just a short list of what I think make up Latina/os Greatest Fashion Icons! Many others can be included, and will be in other lists, but these individuals have contributed to the world of fashion design and trendsetting! 

1. Carolina Herrera (Venenzuela) - Designer women's clothing - Carolina embodies the sophisticated Latina, put together and elegant, ready for anything!


2. Oscar De La Renta (Domincan Republic) - Designer women's clothing - For decades Oscar has dressed A-List celebrities with elegance and class.


3. Jennifer Lopez (US/Puerto Rico) - Designer, Singer, Actress - Jennifer can move between high fashioned elegance and hip-hop flare, her designs are for teens and young women, eclectic and vibrant.


4. Narciso Rodriguez (US/Cuba) - Designer women's clothing - Classic designs, celebrity favorite, first American to win the Council of Fashion Designers of America Womenswear Designer of the Year Award two years in a row.

5. Lazaro Hernandez (US/Cuba) - Co-designer/founder for Proenza Schouler, women's clothing - young, eclectic, hip, and fresh and a newer label that has already made a name for itself across the world.


6. Frida Kahlo (Mexico) - Artist, feminist, and truly a unique icon in Mexican and Chican@ culture. Her style was considered 'ethnic' and 'traditional' but has inspired many to stay true to their culture, roots, and heritage.


7. Iris Chacon (Puerto Rico) - Entertainer, lavish, and comfortable with herself - This television star became one of the most popular pop stars in Latin America.


8. Kat Von D (US) - While Kat was not born to Latin American parents, she grew up in Mexico, speaks Spanish, and considers herself a Latina; and that's just fine, because her style speaks for itself: Rebellious, sexy, and demure.


9. Dolores Del Rio (Mexico) - Hollywood starlet of the 1930-40s and the first woman to wear a two-piece bathing suit in a major motion picture.


10. Cesar Romero (Mexico) - The original Latin Lover, major motion picture star of the 1930-40s.


11. Rita Hayworth (Spain/Ireland/England) - The quintessential glamor queen of the 1940s, the poster girl for soldiers and young boys at the time.


12. Gisele Bundchen (Brazil) - Forbes' highest paid model in the world in 2008, and the sixteenth highest paid woman in the entertainment field, everything from perfume, bags, lingerie, Gisele is a major fashion icon.

Dominican Slugging and ESPN Needs a Latin@ Announcer!

So last night at the All-Star Game's Home Run Derby, two Dominican players battled it out in the final round - David Ortiz and Hanley Ramirez. "Big Papi" took the title, which made him the third Dominican to take a Derby trophy. But what I found entertaining about this year's Derby was not the 450+ feet that Ortiz and Ramirez were putting between their bat and the ball, or the cute kids that watch their daddy's from the sidelines, or even Chris Berman's crazy descriptions ("that ball had some hair on it"),  - but how the ESPN announcers as a group sound really stupid because they don't understand Spanish. A few times that microphones caught Ortiz and Ramirez talking to each other in Spanish  - and the announcers had to guess what was being discussed - and they weren't even close. Ortiz also muttered "Coño" a few times and Joe Morgan said "I think he said conyo.." but they did not go on to explain why...AYE YAY YAY speaking of Joe Morgan - is he not one of the most boring announcers on ESPN ever? How many times did he mention Ortiz's shoes? They were nice and all but they weren't anything spectacular. 

Finally, what was really the most entertaining thing of all was how many times Erin Andrews called David Ortiz "Big Papi". I hope he and his wife had a good laugh about it, because I sure did.

In essence the moral of the story is ESPN needs a Latin@ broadcaster. Nothing sounds better to the millions of Latin@ fans out there than someone who can say players' last names correctly and translate the conversations playing are having with each other and their families. With the continued domination of Latinos in baseball, ESPN is way behind the curve (wink, wink)!

She works hard for the money...and respect.

This weekend I sat on a NYC subway train to meet up with a college friend. While I sat there listening to my IPod - looking around at the eclectic group of people with millions of destinations ahead of them, a middle-aged Latina sat down right in front of me. I wasn't purposely being nosy but it does intrigue me when people are reading or studying on the subway. I am curious what people are reading and typically if I see a theme I know that maybe it's a NY Times Best Seller or something like that.

Anyway, this woman sat down in front of me and as I glanced at her face first, I noticed she was mumbling to herself. I looked down at her book and it was a United States Citizenship practice exam. She was covering up the answers with her hand and memorizing the information about how amendments are made. Like the hundreds of other people I saw on the subway this past weekend, she was studying on the train instead of listening to music. But this study guide, a guide to assist someone with hopes of passing the naturalization exam, stood out to me because of what it means to me personally given the climate of Arizona and other states who obnoxiously want to force people "back to where they came from" or into American citizenship. Here was a woman who was using her time away from work, school, family, or whatever else we can think of to study to be an American citizen. Those of us who are citizens by birth, we never had to study to become a citizen. Many US citizens probably don't know/care/remember the process of amending bills or putting bills into laws. Yet the arrogance in which anti-immigrant Americans display with regards to Latin Americans in this country (without even knowing their legal status or the path in which they are on to citizenship) astounds, baffles, and angers me. 

As this woman sat silently on this train, reciting answers to herself, studying, STUDYING, to become a US citizen I got choked up a little. Then I remembered why this blog is important as are the many other Latin@ themed blogs, web sites, civic organizations, fraternal organizations and community-based agencies  - we are their voice, but just for a little while until they can fully participate in democracy through voting or speaking out, or by taking a damn test. For those who can't and probably won't fully participate because they have not taken a test or because they are too busy working for us, and for those millions of undocumented individuals who are just doing their thing, positively - I honor you. 

It's About Damn Time!

July 6th is the day that the White House stood up to Arizona. The Department of Justice (Obama Administration) finally sent a clear message that the Arizona law was impeding the federal government's ability to reform immigration law. Of course, Gov. Jan Brewer was quick to spin the lawsuit into the government's attack on the (white) people of Arizona. She failed to mention how the law impacts people of color, in particular Latin@s in the state. Similarly John McCain weighed in on how Obama was impeding the people's rights to protect themselves from drug trafficking and those breaking the law (all Latin@s in AZ). Anyway, while the lawsuit will not cool the dry hate state - it does shine a major spotlight at the bigotry exhibited by the conservative politicians in Arizona.

It's about time someone (Obama) starts to put people (racists) in their place! 


http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/07/06/arizona.immigration.lawsuit/index.html?hpt=Sbin

A Soundtrack for Our History

 

That's right herman@s - a soundtrack to the Chicano/a Movement! Rolas the Aztlan features the amazing songs that were sung during various marches and events during the 1970s Chican@ Movement. Featured on the cd are Teatro Campesino and Augustin Lara, among others. This collection is a strong reminder of the grassroots organizing that Chicano/as took part in to demand equal pay, worker's rights, women's rights, and recognition for their contributions to society.

The collection was featured on iTunes Latino - and is being sold on Amazon as well. So, mi gente definitely check this out and pay homage to those who struggled before us. Que Viva!

http://www.amazon.com/Songs-Chicano-Movement-Rolas-Aztlan/dp/B000AM67BE

The Underground Exchange

I recently came across a photo essay on the web site foreignpolicy.com by a Mexican immigrant: Dulce Pinzon. The essay seeks to showcase the very underground nature of Latin American immigrants working in NYC. She intentionally asked these workers about their remittances back to their families in Latin America. Despite how poignant their truths are, it is the theme behind the photo essay that is remarkable.  Pinzon had the workers dress up as superheroes against the backdrop of their everyday lives. The outcome is special. Please take the time to visit this amazing photo essay:

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/05/28/the_magnificent_migrants

Latina popstar slump? Make room for up and coming!

This past weekend Christina Aguilera hit the stage for the second time in two weeks on MTV's Movie Awards.  After an average performance on the American Idol finale and after her tour was canceled earlier this month, it is clear that her time has come and gone. There is no room in American pop music for Christina and her 'new' look (that so closely resembles Lady Gaga). Long gone is the sweet, big blue-eyed "Genie in A Bottle" and "Dirrrty" Christina. During those periods, Christina's image and music was simple and honest - not performance art. While she may have jumped on many a bandwagons (Can't Hold Us Down), she still remained somewhat accessible. Her ballads kept fans coming back. This time around she's just an older version of Lady Gaga.

Similarly, Jennifer Lopez's pop music career has also taken a huge nose dive. Her upcoming album "Love?" was dropped in February after SonyEpic dropped her from the label. Her performance on SNL in late February was the nail in the coffin. Her ballad was so off-key that it was painful! Not only has this interest in this album and her movies in general dwindled, overall it seems that J.Lo hasn't been able to make a full-on pop diva comeback. Granted, everyone respects her for her entrepreneurial savvy and creativity, but her singing/acting career has yet to be what it was during her heyday of "Love Don't Cost a Thing" or "Monster-in-Law". 

With this experienced group of Latinas just not cutting it in the pop realm, it seems that there should be some new up and coming Latina powerhouses...right? Enter Selena Gomez. Named after the late-great Selena - fellow Tejana Gomez is only 18 years old and has already had a hit show, hit record, and is launching a clothing line made of eco-friendly materials. Her pop career just started as her hit song "Naturally" hit the airwaves (And it's kinda catchy!). 

Another Latina pop star currently in the limelight is Fergie. While Fergie is technically more in the age group of Christina (actually 5 years older), her career has recently taken off because of the Black Eyed Peas overall success. As the R&B singer from the group (and the only female), Fergie has banked on their success to jump start her solo and acting careers. She also designs shoes! 

And of course, who can forget SHAKIRA! While her career started a long time ago - she continues to make hit songs and news with her humanitarian work! I LOVE HER!!

National Geographic - Border Wars - Mixed Messages

Are we at war on the Mexican Border?

Given President Obama's recent decision to send National Guard troops to the border and the fact that we are in the midst of Arizona's new immigrant round-up bills, I have come to question the reality behind "border wars."

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-05-26/obama-to-deploy-national-guard-boost-border-security-funding.html

So in an effort to "control" the border, money and personnel are being sent to the region to 'secure' the border. While Obama may have done this because of President Calderon's recent visit, the timing also coincides with the signing of the Arizona immigration law. 

Granted, the violence on the border (Mexican side) has increased and the number of drug arrest on the US side continues to grow, what is a national guard presence going to do? Deter criminals? Not unless these troops are planning to camp out in the desolate areas (since that's where the drugs, smugglers, and violence will continue to be pushed toward) would this strategy work!

While both Republican and Democrat Congressmen applaud the measures taken by Obama, both groups feel that these measures are not enough - more money and more troops are being requested by both campus:

http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/23674801/detail.html

In general the border is a mess...a HOT MESS!  

Earlier this year I was watching the National Geographic series, "Border Wars." After about five episodes I had failed to come to a definite conclusion about the reason the channel decided to follow various Border Patrol officers and Customs agents along the San Diego and Nogales border region. At first, it seemed like a pro-war series, perpetuating the fact that Mexicans are bringing problems to the US via drug smuggling, migrant smuggling, and illegal border crossings using fake IDs, documents, and slick criminal networks.  Not only did the first few episodes seem to put immigrants in a negative light, it also seemed to place the Border Patrol on a pedestal as the gatekeepers protecting America's border in the strong desert sun using sophisticated war tactics. 

Toward the end of the series a new light was being shed on the problem. The US war tactics don't solve the problem(s) and yes, there is more than one problem. The series ended with questions about the use of war tactics to end illegal immigration versus drug smuggling. It showed the sophistication of the drug cartels and gangs seeking to smuggle drugs, money, and weapons into the US and the market that pulls these criminals (US Market). It showed the lack of sophistication with which working-class Mexicans are attempting to cross the border for employment opportunities that pull these hard working people to the US. In essence the series closed with the summary that the US is largely to blame and that solutions need to come by changing the pull factors within the US (drug abuse, the drug trade, employment, lack of comprehensive immigration laws to allow workers to come to the US for periods of time to earn money and that lead to proper citizenship processes). I was shocked! 

After following various agents for 5-7 episodes and the learning about the sophisticated weapons, scopes, and gear that the Border Patrol employs, it seemed like a waste of money! These were not working solutions! National Geographic could have just said "This is a small plug in a huge leak" and it would have been just as clear. Money was being spent and wasted because, in the end, huge amounts of drugs still make it through to the states, and huge numbers of people still work and live in the US illegally. Overall, I was slightly satisfied with the series - I think its worth watching to see just how our taxes are spent to pay for all of these war-like tactics in a situation that needs/requires more than one solution. And I am not sure that President Obama's recent decision for more money and more troops is answer. If we want to stop the violence, I think President Calderon should allow US law enforcement to assist the Mexican government with actual arrests and detainment for drug cartels. The Mexican federal police is not capable of managing/ending the violence. Placing our troops at various border cities is like sticking a couple of fingers into plug a hole the size of a Hoover Dam. 

I hope that Presidents Obama and Calderon had more ideas than just this one to help stop the violence (FIRST) and begin to reform immigration laws (SECOND).

Hysterical Blog!! Check it out!!

So I got this link from my undergraduate chapter's MEChA listserve:

http://stuffeducatedchicanoslike.wordpress.com/

It is definitely worth checking out and reading in its entirety! Someone else posted some additions:

http://nllsa.wordpress.com/2010/01/26/website-stuff-educated-chicanos-like/

More hilarity! I was rollin'. I have had so many of these experiences with friends and personally that I can't even type them all out because my mind is running through so many right now. As a Chicana/Latina/MEChista who moved to the East Coast from Tejaztlan for an Ivy League education - so many of those topics hit so close to home. I started to think if there were other things that my fellow Chicano/a friends used to do...YES THERE ARE:

1. Regardless of the weather - MEChA soccer/flag football tournaments were a common social activity

2. MEChA Parties were known around campus as the spot for drinking games and obscene amounts of liquor. (We never had money to buy books, always sat for hours waiting to meet with a financial aid counselor at the beginning of each semester, but we always had money each weekend for liqs and cerveza.)

3. Educated Chicano/as always want to take pictures with Mariachi bands (how many do you have?)

4. We swear that we know each Mexican dance even if we never danced it back home (Cumbia, Norteno, Tejano two-steps, waltz, etc.)

5. Check our IPOD - we have Vicente Fernandez (Only "El Rey"), Alejandro Fernandez, Mana, Los Tucanes, Selena (Not Gomez), Luis Miguel and for our own sentimental, homesick reasons, Linda Ronstadt.

6. We like our Chicano/a literature, history, and sociology books - our personal libraries are guaranteed to have a copy of Occupied America; The Borderlands/La Frontera; House on Mango Street; Bless Me, Ultima; and an anthropology of Chicana/o poetry...this is required Chicano/a studies reading that we thought we ought to keep in our homes.

PLEASE ADD YOUR OWN!!

Lord Help Arizona...

Well if Mrs. Kobe Bryant (Vanessa) is talking (indirectly) about it, then dammit everyone should! 

Arizona's immigration bill S.B. 1070 aims to allow police forces the ability to detain anyone they feel could be in the country illegally.  Furthermore, carrying papers to prove legality will be mandated, and in the event one does not have them - the police can hold the individuals to ascertain their legal status.  Governor Jan Brewer signed the bill in late April and followed up with another absurd bill signing regarding ethnic studies.  Public schools would no longer be able to offer courses that focus on a particular ethnic group (largely this affects Mexican-American/Chicano/a studies).

Following these obviously racist bills, Latinos have had a lot to say and many ways to show their displeasure with such laws. Everyone from local residents to mega-superstars, such as Shakira, have spoken out against the measures.  Pitbull, Cypress Hill and Shakira have publicly refused to do shows/concerts in Arizona.  The Phoenix Suns also publicly made a statement by wearing a special jersey a few days following the signing of the bill (Cinco de Mayo)- "Los Suns". Point guard Steve Nash said outright that this law would racially profile people and that as a proud resident of Arizona he did not want it to have a reputation as unfair and unwelcoming. 

Incredible as it may seem, these laws were the natural progression of laws and practices aimed at turning Arizona into a haven for white supremacists and a death trap for Latinos and immigrants, an obvious abomination of Arizona's natural birthright.  Maricopa County and celebrity racist sheriff Joe Arpaio  - who lives in infamy over his leadership on juvenile chain gangs, tent cities, and toughness on jail inmates, is under investigation by the FBI for misuse of funds for lawsuits. 

So again it's not surprising that Arizona lawmakers have the confidence and arrogance to put forth these laws when the state's leadership believes in "true American values" (ahem...John McCain).  What these laws have done is awaken the resting giant - the Latino voting block! And once you get the beast going - it will be hard to control!

Si Se Puede Mi Gente!

Best Cop Show on TV?

Last year NBC premiered the Los Angeles Police Department drama, Southland and renewed the show after a positive response to the failing NBC network. After shooting the season however, NBC abruptly canceled the show; not surprising that the network was in the midst of changing the late night line-up. The show, however caught a break. TNT picked up the show and its 6 original episodes along with the seven newly shot episodes of season 2. Luckily, someone got it right.

This show is outstanding. Not only does it have one of the most diverse casts in TV right now, its just a plain old good drama. You immediately get pulled into the stories of each police officer or detective. Shot in a short of ER/Homicide Life on the Street look and feel, the pace is quick and camera movement is fitting. Granted, the show takes a pretty realistic view of crime in Los Angeles - everything from yuppy white suburbia's problems with drugs and domestic violence, to the gang problems in our communities of color. The stories are getting more realistic as the violence in Mexico come to life in the second's season.

Not only does the show have good dialogue and realistic cinematography, but the actors are just so great (and hot!). Maybe its fairly unrealistic to imagine a police department where everyone is so suave and good-looking, but I'm not complaining. Regina King is so hot and just the best actress in TV drama right now too! This season has also seen the addition of some pretty popular Latino actors.

Kevin Alejandro (Ugly Betty), Amaury Nolasco (Prison Break), Laz Alonzo (Avatar), and other small role Latino actors took part in Season 2, Episode 1 "Phase Three". In season one, Lupe Ontiveros made a guest appearance in an unusual role as a gang queen! So, while some of the roles relegated to the Latino actors are gang-related, at least the police department shows some great diversity in characters.

I will totally give this show my attention - and hope that it gets picked up for a third season.

Diversity Counselors Look for Diversity in All the Wrong Places

Just recently I had the pleasure of attending a conference where various admissions counselors from highly selective institutions meet to discuss issues facing underrepresented students of color in the admissions process.  These individuals are more often than not the sole guardian of their institution's "minority" applications and decisions.  They are also more often than not alumni of these institutions. This conference is meant as an opportunity to share experiences and ideas when recruiting these amazing students to our campuses.  This time around, the discussion focused on Native American recruitment. Typically, I tend to play the role of wallflower - sit back and listen and observe.  Rarely do I feel it necessary to talk at any length about my personal views on the subjects.  I do what I do because it must be done. Period. However, in this rare occasion, I found extremely necessary to speak up (out) and in the process of doing so I realized that my emotion was so strong that I kinda spaced out while talking.  In other words, I don't even remember what I really said or if I was looking at anyone. I do remember vaguely that I felt like I was yelling, but I could be wrong, often our voice that resonates in our own head is louder that it is to everyone else.

So here it goes: The conversation consisted of how various institutions read the applications of Native American students.  Several counselors stated that follow-up is done with students who check the "Native American" box to find out what their tribal ties to their community are. Why this done? I have NO.IDEA. These schools do not provide ethnic/citizenship scholarships to such groups, nor are there special considerations given to minority students (as that is against the law). And as the conversation continued I began to feel a fire radiate in my chest.  People were inadvertently saying that they did not trust students and that it was their role to determine if this student was actually what they said they were.  Given that some practices are entrenched so deeply in history that its impossible to cut through the red tape, I found this quite insulting.  As the conversation progressed, other individuals talked about wanting to have the most diverse class possible at their school and that to determine this they often read an application for indications that a students "knows" who they are and where they come from. As I blew a gasket, I realized it was time for the wall flower to become the preying mantis. 

I asked quickly for the microphone and started. I explained to the group that they should deeply consider that this is an unfair way to read applications. I told them that most 18 year olds do not think about who they are or what they are.  Many students of color don't realize they are minority students, especially if where they come from they are the majority! Case in point, TEXAS. Latinos are pretty much the majority in every city in Texas and for a student from this state to say "I am a Chicano student and I realize that I am at a disadvantage in the higher education world" is ludicrous.  Most of my friends from college and myself took a year to two years to figure out what/who we were and where we really came from.  To ask students to know this and write about it perpetuates the notion that minorities are always thinking about their "status" in this country are always trying to use it to their advantage, which in this case it would be. 

College is a time for self-discovery. College allows you the opportunity to get away from your small circle of friends, family, city, town, religious views, political views, etc. to explore and learn from a large circle of friends, city, town, views, etc. In some cases we are not taught what we are - in secondary school students are not taught about the Civil Rights movement, Chicano/Latino rights issues, identity politics, etc. How on Earth would a student know about this unless they lived the experiences? 

Well after my speaking coma, quite a bit of people came up to me afterward and thanked me for speaking up. They said that they were thinking the same thing. Well, that's all fine and dandy, but I asked them to be sure to speak up in their own office otherwise they will lose some great students, students who like me didn't realize what she was until she went to college to learn about it. In my case, one is not born a Chicana, one becomes one through experience and knowledge. Let's hope we are giving our children the chance to become what they want.