There’s nothing quite like revisiting a movie that hits you straight in the feels, and Emilia Pérez was that movie for me. It’s a masterpiece that had me laughing, crying, and thinking deeply about identity and love. I admired how it tackled themes of transformation and self-discovery while celebrating Latinidad in all its vibrant, diverse forms. But as much as I loved the film, something about the discourse surrounding Selena Gomez’s performance has left me disheartened.
Selena Gomez and the Unfair Critique
Recently, Selena Gomez has been at the center of unwarranted criticism, particularly about her Spanish. For some, her inability to speak “proper” Spanish has been a point of contention. But what does “proper” even mean?
Her character in Emilia Pérez comes with a backstory that makes perfect sense. She’s from the U.S. and learned Spanish later in life through a relationship that brought her to Mexico. This detail is not only relatable but also reflective of a common reality for many in the Latine community. We’ve all met people who learn Spanish—or any language—because of personal relationships, and naturally, they may carry an accent or quirks in their speech. That’s not a flaw; it’s part of their journey.
The Problem of “Not Latino Enough”
Selena’s experience mirrors a broader issue within our community: the toxic idea of not being “Latino enough.” It’s a sentiment I’ve seen countless times, and it’s painful. For Selena, the critique is about her Spanish. For others, it might be their inability to dance salsa, their lack of knowledge about certain traditions, or even their skin tone.
This rigid gatekeeping harms us all. Instead of embracing the diversity within our culture, we create divisions over superficial and ultimately unimportant things. It alienates those who want to connect with their heritage but feel shunned because they don’t meet someone else’s arbitrary standard.
The Danger of Division
What’s truly heartbreaking is how this behavior keeps us from coming together as a community. Latinos are one of the largest minority-majority groups in the United States, yet our internal divisions weaken us. Instead of uniting to fight for legislation, representation, and resources that benefit the entire community, we get caught up in trivial debates over who’s “authentic” enough.
Selena’s journey in Emilia Pérez reflects the reality of so many Latinos who exist in between cultures, bridging gaps between where they come from and where they are. That duality is not something to criticize—it’s something to celebrate.
A Call for Unity
As I reflect on Emilia Pérez and the lessons it teaches, I’m reminded of the importance of embracing the many ways Latinos express their culture. Whether someone speaks perfect Spanish or is learning as they go, whether they grew up in Mexico City or Minneapolis, their Latinidad is valid.
It’s time to stop letting superficial differences divide us and instead focus on what unites us. The challenges we face as a community—systemic inequality, lack of representation, and limited access to resources—are far too significant to let something as insignificant as an accent drive a wedge between us.
In Celebration of Selena and the Latine Experience
So here’s my Throwback Thursday takeaway: Emilia Pérez isn’t just a movie—it’s a reminder of the beauty and complexity of our culture. Selena Gomez brought authenticity to her role, not in spite of her Spanish but because of the journey her character—and she herself—represents.
Let’s choose unity over division, celebrating the vast, beautiful spectrum of what it means to be Latino. After all, there’s enough room for all of us, accents and all.
What are your thoughts on Emilia Pérez and the critique surrounding Selena Gomez? Let’s have a conversation about unity and representation in the comments!
Leave a Reply