The Mexican Madonna's Impact on Latin Communities (Selena Quintanilla Essay Sample)

¨If you have a dream, don't let anybody take it away¨, by Selena Quintanilla. The woman known as the ¨Queen of Tejano Music¨ made a huge impact on Latino communities. Her music revolutionized Tejano industries by incorporating her Mexican-American background into music. In a way, she put the Latino community on the map. She did this by breaking down barriers and making history as the first Tejano artist to receive a Grammy in 1993. She was not only preoccupied with her success like many artists in this industry. Selena truly cared for her fans and that's why her fans cared for her.

Selena's Life Story

Selena Quintanilla was born on April 16, 1971. Her hometown is Lake Jackson, Texas. Her father, Abraham Quintanilla, was a former musician. He was her main inspiration when she first started singing and performing. He was the manager and producer of Selena Y Los Dinos. While growing up, Selena spoke English but her father taught her how to sing in Spanish. Abraham wanted his daughter to be able to resonate with the Latino culture. At first, she learned the lyrics phonetically but later, she learned to speak Spanish fluently. 

Selena began performing as a child. At the age of 10, she became the lead singer in her family's band. The group consisted of her brother, Abraham on bass guitar and her sister, Suzette on drums. The band started out playing at small gatherings like weddings and clubs in Texas. In 1980, Selena's father decided to open a restaurant, and the band would perform there. The restaurant was a short-lived success. After the restaurant closed down, the group would go on tours. Selena loved singing, and she completely owned the stage while performing. When she was performing it was like singing was made for her. Selena had the confidence, the sound, and the power needed to deliver jaw-dropping concerts.

Selena took time out from touring with the band to record her songs. She was a growing success. Selena's very first hit was ``Buenos Amigos”. Selena's very first hit was ``Buenos Amigos”.Selena was 15 when she was voted as the ¨Female Artist of the Year¨ at the Tejano Music Awards. In 1989 Selena joined the EMI record label company. She finally had a major company supporting her. Selena was at the peak of her career. Selena grew in popularity quickly and began to reach wider audiences. The early 1990s was a time when Selena had many bright spots in her music and personal life. On April 2, 1992, Selena married twenty-two-year-old Christoper Perez. He was the new lead guitarist in her band. Her father didn't approve of their relationship but eventually, he saw that this was the ¨real deal¨. Chris and Selena shared Selena`s success and growing popularity. Her songs could be heard throughout Mexico and the United States. Often Selena Would be compared to English-speaking artists like Janet Jackson and Madonna. During this time Selena made many records that were primarily sung in English. She was a booming artist for both of her cultures.

On March 31, 1995, Selena was shot and killed by her fan club president, Yolanda Saldivar. This unfortunate event took place in Corpus Christi, Texas. Yolanda was very close to Selena and the Quintanilla family. Yolanda And Selena's friendship started out loving and turned toxic. Yolonda soon became obsessed with Selena.   Ultimately Yolanda's fixation led up to Selena's death. Selena's death was mourned throughout both Mexico and The United States. After Selena's death, her album ¨Dreaming of You'' was released. The album was a huge hit and sold millions of copies. It was everything Selena had hoped it would be. Selena was honored with a memorial concert at the Houston Astrodome and a movie was later made about her life and success.

Selena's Impact

Selena was very influential to Latino communities because she was relatable. To her fans, she was an inspiration because she valued both of her cultures. Instead of choosing between her Mexican heritage and American culture, she immersed herself in both and celebrated them in equal measure via her clothing and music. She had a very candid approach to the struggles of balancing Mexican and American identities. Despite Selena`s difficulties as a Tejano woman, her music showed others her self-identity. For Latin Americans, she represented them by her outfits and vocals. She did this by incorporating American fashion in her clothes and Spanish in her music. Often Selena's fans saw themselves in her. Though Selena's music she was able to help the Latino community in America come to terms with their identity. She helped many Mexican Americans who were struggling with their bicultural life, to feel like they belonged somewhere. Selena showed that biculturalism is something to be celebrated not hidden. She inspired everyone to embrace the nuances and dualities of bicultural identity. 

In my personal experience, I can relate to being bicultural and struggling. When I was younger, I had no sense of who I was.  I couldn't figure out my identity. It was very confusing because I felt as if I was in the middle of two cultures. Eventually, I realized that I didn't have to be one culture or the other. I could be a unique combination of both.  

Selena was also community-minded, donating a great amount of time to civic causes. Selena felt it was important to find time to encourage children and young.  She loved to go to public middle schools and high schools to talk to kids about the importance of staying in school, avoiding drugs and alcohol, remaining chaste, and pursuing goals. For Example, In 1993, Selena gave a free concert to Texan students who drastically improved on their grades. She also donated $2,500 to many School Programs. Selena was also the spokesperson for D.A.R.E (Drug abuse resistance education) program to keep kids off drugs. She also endorsed a Battered Women's help hotline. It's been said that when Selena's commercial for the help hotline aired, the phone lines would light up. 

Although Selena died 25 years ago, she still influences today's society. Selena has become a cultural icon for all generations young and old. The Selena for Sanctuary concert brought awareness to immigrant rights. This concert had an amazing turnout. 5,000 people showed in honor of the legendary artist. This concert showed that Selena is still very popular with younger generations. She is seen as a genre-crossing trailblazer. Selena's success in a male-dominated Tejano genre was a breakthrough for her and her successors. She made the industry make room for women. Selena popularized Tejano music among broader and younger audiences. Selena paved the way for many Latin artists. She helped them achieve success, find their voice, dream big, and reach for the stars.

In conclusion, Selena was just a genuine woman doing what she was passionate about. She was someone who cared about her roots and her fans. She truly has become a role model for Latino people. Latin communities have been positively impacted by her music because she truly cared about influencing her fans. The way she influenced them was by relating to them. She leaves behind the legacy of positivity and kindness. Her main message was to be kind to everyone and for bicultural individuals to embrace their true selves.