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Since the ’90s, Selena has been a household name. Even 26 years later, her influence is still seen in pop culture, Spanish music, fashion, and the identities of Mexican Americans. Movies, shows, books, makeup, and clothes are still being created in memoriam of the late Queen of Tejano music.Selena Quintanilla was not only an amazing singer, actress, designer, but she was also a kind-hearted, caring, and inspiring soul. For many Mexican-Americans, she was a symbol of success, familiarity, and greatness. For me, Selena has influenced me more than one can imagine. Growing up, I listened to her songs and mimicked her iconic spins and dance moves on the kitchen floor. For me and many young Latina girls, she was a role model of someone who worked hard for her family and her passion.
I saw her as a big sister in more ways than one. Not only did she guide me mentally, spiritually, and morally, but her iconic fashion, humor, and personality were also something I venerated and admired. I looked to her to make sure I was doing the right thing and used her as a measure of how hard I was working. What made Selena so relatable was that people saw themselves within her. No matter how famous she got, it was obvious that she still saw herself as any other average person. But to describe Selena as average was anything but correct. The Queen of Tejano wasn’t always savvy in speaking Spanish, even messing up in interviews at times and having to learn how to phonetically sing her lyrics in the beginning. Seeing that even someone so successful with a Spanish musical career struggled with learning the language just like me, made me feel seen and represented. For many, the only representation they saw in the media and society at the time was Selena. She was a pioneer for crossing the bridge, making Mexican and American music cultures mix. She often incorporated relevant music influences of her time into her Tejano songs and albums. Opening her shows in a disco medley with popular American music including ‘I Will Survive’, ‘Funkytown’, ‘Last Dance’, ‘The Hustle, and ‘On The Radio’ garnered the attention of American fans. Captivating the hearts of Mexicans and Americans, one of Selena's dreams was creating an English album, which she had been in the process of creating at the time of her death. The last time the world would hear new lyrics and notes from the Queen of Tejano music came four months after her death when ‘Dreaming of You’, her crossover album was released posthumously. Even in death, Selena continued to cross barriers and break records. Her last album debuted at the top of the Billboard top 200 and was the best-selling Latin album for the next two decades. Her success showed just how big and full of potential the market of audiences and fans of Latin music in America was. She paved the way for all the great Spanish artists to come. Through her music, I learned more Spanish and connected with my culture, something many other Mexican Americans can relate to. She's become a bridge connecting generations of Mexican Americans, a conversation starter for parents and kids recounting stories of seeing Selena in concert. Even now listening to her last concert brings tears to my eyes. Knowing the heinous crimes that were committed that made such a talented and beautiful person leave this earth too soon fills me with anger. Seeing how her husband and family and the music industry are left empty without her makes me hurt with grief. There was and will only ever be one Selena. Her work ethic, warm smile, hearty laugh, and fierce performance skills can never be recreated. It goes without saying that if Selena was here now she would’ve been even more of a worldwide superstar than she is. Who knows? She’s dominated the world even in death, there is no telling what she would’ve been capable of doing now. Selena, the world is still dreaming of you.
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AuthorScarlet Ruiz Archives
April 2021
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