Remembering Selena through her movie and series on ‘Selena Day’

On April 16th, 2023, fans of the late Selena Quintanilla will come together to celebrate Selena Day, marking what would have been the singer’s 52nd birthday. The day is an opportunity to honor Selena’s life and legacy, as well as to reflect on her impact on music and culture, particularly in the Latino community.

Who was Selena Quintanilla and why do we celebrate Selena Day?

Selena Quintanilla was a Mexican-American singer, songwriter, actress, and fashion designer who became one of the most successful and influential Latino musicians of all time. Born on April 16th, 1971, in Texas, Selena began performing as a child and rose to fame in the 1990s with hits like “Como La Flor” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom.”

Photo Credit: Instagram @selena.nostalgia

Tragically, she was killed by a former employee in 1995 at the age of 23. Despite her short life, Selena’s impact on music and culture continues to resonate today, particularly in the Latino community. Selena Day is celebrated on April 16th each year to honor her legacy and contributions to music and culture.

“Selena”: The movie and the criticism

One significant event that contributed to Selena’s legacy was the 1997 biographical film “Selena,” which chronicled her rise to fame and tragic death. The movie featured a talented cast that brought Selena’s story to life, including Jennifer Lopez as Selena, Edward James Olmos as her father Abraham Quintanilla, Jr., and Jon Seda as her husband Chris Perez.

Photo Credit: Instagram @selenagofficial

While the film was a commercial success and received critical acclaim, some raised concerns about the casting choices, particularly about Jennifer Lopez playing the role of Selena. Some argue that the casting of a non-Mexican actress to play the Mexican-American icon perpetuates the erasure of Mexican voices and experiences in Hollywood.

Photo Credit: Instagram @selenagofficial

However, others argue that Lopez’s casting was ultimately a positive step for representation, as it brought Selena’s story to a wider audience and helped to elevate the careers of Latino actors and filmmakers. Furthermore, Lopez herself told Billboard about the impact that playing Selena had on her career and personal life, describing the experience as transformative and a career highlight.

More than 21,000 Latina women auditioned for the role, but it was Lopez who ended up being cast after not only the director and producers choosing her but also the Quintanilla family, who were present in the casting calls, and ultimately decided that she was the one who embodied Selena the best.

“Selena”: the series

Netflix has brought the life and legacy of the late Selena Quintanilla to a new generation of fans. The show, which premiered in December 2020, tells the story of Selena’s rise to fame as a Mexican-American singer and her impact on music and culture before her tragic and untimely death.

Photo Credit: Instagram @selenanetflix

While the show has been praised for its engaging storytelling and strong performances, it has also faced criticism for how it portrays Selena and the depiction of her life, arguing that it glosses over some of the more complex and difficult aspects in favor of a more sanitized and simplified narrative. Others have criticized the casting choices for some of the characters, particularly the decision to cast Christian Serratos, a non-Mexican actress, as Selena.

Photo credit: Instagram @selenanetflix

Despite these criticisms, the show also explores some interesting themes, such as the challenges that Selena faced as a Mexican-American artist trying to break into the mainstream music industry. However, while it is an entertaining and engaging portrayal of Selena’s life, it does leave some fans feeling that certain aspects of her story have been overlooked or misrepresented.

Regardless of one’s opinion on the casting choices, there is no denying that Selena’s legacy lives on, and her story continues to inspire and resonate with people around the world. Selena Day 2023 is an opportunity to honor her life and legacy and to reflect on the importance of representation and diversity in media.