As many have learned by now, Netflix has recently announced that it was in the workings of creating a new bio-series titled Selena: La Serie, surrounding the life of the late Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla. The response was largely positive. Netflix has the added benefit of getting approval from the late singer's family, something many networks have failed to receive with their own biopic projects.
Members of the Quintanilla family who have chosen to be directly involved include Selena's sister Suzette Quintanilla as well as father Abraham Quintanilla, both of whom will serve as executive producers. Many immediately became transfixed with who would be cast to play the Mexican-American artist with people naming choices such as singer Becky J, while major fans of the already existing 1997 bio-pic film felt that Jennifer Lopez should reprise the role of Selena.
Although despite all this positive coverage I was initially hesitant to get excited about this project. I loved the film adaption of her story and have been making a recent effort to learn more about her life and her music, however, I was confused about the necessity to retell it again. After all, the film had already accomplished representing her already in such a beautiful way so I simply dismissed this project as just a symptom of Hollywood's obsession with re-adaptions.
It was only after giving it some thought I realized the benefit that Selena's story could have on a new generation who may not know about her. It's easy to forget that Selena's untimely death occurred over 20 years ago. Nonetheless, despite the time since her passing who she is and what she represented resonates more now than ever. I and a lot of other young people in the Latino community can relate to who she was.
Like many Hispanics born in the U.S., she often struggled with her Spanish language skills. I know for myself I often felt nervous to speak Spanish, in fear of being judged and nit-picked about how I spoke. I worried about coming across as stupid and not being knowledgeable about my culture. Which is why it was so comforting to learn that Selena went through similar struggles as well, yet she still managed to become a beloved figure and embraced within her community. She refused to let it affect how proud she was of both her background and identity.
Her story is especially important now in these divisive times where the Latino community has endured an onslaught of underserved judgment directed its way, with the Mexican community enduring a large brunt of it. Just in being who she was she was able to reflect the world that it's possible to be American yet be proud of where your family comes from and the cultural ties that come with it.
It would do many some good to be introduced to Selena's story once again. Hopefully, it can empower individuals to find confidence in themselves and if lucky enough, resonate to those who wield the power to impact the lives of others.
