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This article is part of a series developed in partnership with Project Pulso.
In the spotlight of Hollywood, where image and perception often hold the reins of success, many Latino artists and actors have found it necessary to "whitewash" their names. This practice, which involves changing their typically ethnic-sounding names to ones that are more anglicized, has been prevalent for decades. But what is the reasoning behind it?
Striving for Universal Appeal
At its core, the decision to adopt a more anglicized name often springs from the desire to appeal to a broader, more global audience. Hollywood, as an industry, has traditionally catered to English-speaking markets, and actors with names that are easier for this demographic to pronounce and remember have often found more success.
Take, for example, Guatemalan-American actor Oscar Isaac, born Óscar Isaac Hernández Estrada, who has spoken about his decision to shorten his name. Isaac has shared that adopting a "whiter" stage name allowed him to avoid being typecast in stereotypical Latino roles, thus enabling him to compete for a wider array of characters.
Breaking Down Stereotypes
Another factor that has driven Latine actors and artists to anglicize their names is the fight against Hollywood stereotypes. Latine actors have historically been pigeonholed into specific roles, often as gangsters, maids, or exotic temptresses. By adopting a more anglicized name, many have sought to escape these narrow, limiting stereotypes.
Richard Valenzuela, better known as Ritchie Valens, the rock n' roll pioneer best known for "La Bamba," anglicized his name to broaden his appeal and navigate the music industry's racial dynamics in the 1950s. His choice was largely a survival strategy in a predominantly white industry.
Conforming to Industry Norms
Hollywood has been known for its rigid and often discriminatory norms, and these have historically extended to the domain of names as well. For many Latino artists, adopting an anglicized name has been a way to conform to these norms and enhance their chances of success.
Take the example of Lynda Carter, the actress known for her iconic role as Wonder Woman. Although she is of Mexican descent on her mother's side, her decision to use her father's anglicized last name instead of her mother's (Cordova) may have been influenced by the industry's biases.
A similar story can be found in the life of silent film actress Anita Page, born Anita Evelyn Pomares. Page, who was of Salvadoran descent, rose to stardom in the 1920s, a time when being Latino was not widely accepted in Hollywood. By adopting a more anglicized name, she navigated around the ethnic prejudices of her time.
Regrettably, this recurring occurrence has plagued numerous Latino celebrities repeatedly, as exemplified in Pulso's enlightening series, "Unlocking Our History."Beyond Hollywood: Have you ever mispronounced your own name?
This phenomenon of "whitewashing" names extends beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Many of us, in our daily lives, may find ourselves altering our names, even subconsciously, to fit into a certain cultural context or to make it “easier” for others. We might shorten a long name, adopt an anglicized nickname, or even use a different pronunciation that sounds less ethnic.
These decisions often stem from a desire to assimilate, to avoid standing out, or even to avoid the discomfort of having our names mispronounced. But while these choices might seem inconsequential, they can subtly reinforce the idea that certain names, and by extension, certain cultures, are "other" or outside the norm.
Remembering the importance of our names is a step towards countering this. Our names are a fundamental part of our identity. They carry our heritage, our family history, and our cultural identity. They connect us to our roots and give us a sense of belonging. By honoring our names in their original form, we not only assert our individuality but also contribute to the broader cultural diversity and richness of our societies.
The practice of anglicizing names, whether in Hollywood or in our daily lives, underscores a need for greater acceptance and celebration of cultural diversity. Just as we're moving towards a world where actors no longer feel the need to anglicize their names, we should strive for a society where everyone feels comfortable using their real names, in all their unique, unaltered beauty.
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Cinema powerfully reflects and shapes society, with queer cinema pushing boundaries and advocating for diversity. When blended with the rich diversity of Latine culture, it births an enlightening and varied cinematic journey.
At Luz, we champion these less-explored narratives and unheard voices. Today, we present a handpicked list of films that fuse queer narratives with Latine creativity, spanning stirring coming-of-age stories to compelling dramas, all poised to inspire, move, and provoke thought.
Mosquita y Mari (2012)
Image Credit: IMDB
Directed by the gifted Aurora Guerrero, "Mosquita y Mari" is a coming-of-age tale that brings to life the complexities of adolescence, identity, and blossoming queer romance. The film's protagonists, Yolanda, an excellent student, and Mari, a rebellious newcomer, meet as high school friends in their Huntington Park neighborhood in Los Angeles. Their relationship evolves, subtly and authentically, eventually challenging their traditional expectations of friendship and compelling them to reflect on their ambitions and dreams.
A Fantastic Woman (2017)
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Directed by Sebastián Lelio, "A Fantastic Woman" is a Chilean film that tells the story of Marina, a transgender woman who faces prejudice and discrimination after her partner's death. The film is notable for its delicate handling of transgender identity and for its lead, Daniela Vega, a trans woman, adding authenticity and depth to the character. The movie won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, reinforcing its critical and cultural significance.
The Garden Left Behind (2019)
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"The Garden Left Behind" is a sensitive and thought-provoking film directed by Flavio Alves. This independent film centers around Tina, a young, undocumented Mexican trans woman, as she navigates her daily life in New York City. As Tina struggles with societal acceptance and battles the bureaucracy of healthcare, she finds strength in her community and her relationship with her grandmother. "The Garden Left Behind" provides a rare look into the lives of undocumented, transgender, and immigrant communities, offering a nuanced depiction of resilience and identity.
Sand Dollars (2014)
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Co-directed by Laura Amelia Guzmán and Israel Cárdenas, "Sand Dollars" is a nuanced drama exploring a transactional queer relationship. The film focuses on Noeli, a young Dominican woman and tourist escort, involved in a complex relationship with an older French woman, Anne. Amidst the power dynamics and emotional complexities, Noeli plans to use Anne to secure a visa to reunite with her mother in Barcelona. Based on Jean-Noel Pancrazi's novel, the film stands as a unique addition to queer, Latine cinema with its impending sequel, "Noelí Overseas".
XXY (2007)
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Directed by Argentine author, screenwriter, and film director Lucía Puenzo, “XXY” explores the rarely depicted life of an intersex teenager. Inés Efron stars as Alex, a 15-year-old intersex person living in Uruguay as a girl, suppressing her masculine features with medication. As Alex navigates the complexities of her identity amidst societal pressures and her mother's desire for her to get sex reassignment surgery, she starts a relationship with the son of a visiting surgeon. The film is a poignant critique of the need to conform to social norms and how parents’ need to define their children by a specific gender can be more harmful than supportive. These topics are still relevant today. This wouldn’t be the last time Puenzo explores queer experiences through her work, which brings us to…
The Fish Child (2009)
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In “The Fish Child,” Lucía Puenzo continues her exploration of queer themes with a thrilling narrative. The film stars Inés Efron as Lala, a wealthy girl who gets involved in a murder that threatens to incriminate her and her girlfriend, Ailin. As they plan to escape to Paraguay, their journey becomes a tense fight against societal injustices and personal secrets. Combining film noir with magical realism, “The Fish Child” touches on themes like class, abuse, and misogyny, with a focus on the resilience of the lesbian couple at the center of it.
Extra-Terrestrials (2016)
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Puerto Rican director and screenwriter Carla Cavina's “Extra-Terrestrials” is a sci-fi dramedy featuring one of the first same-sex couples in Puerto Rican cinema. Teresa, played by Marisé Álvarez, returns home to Puerto Rico with her partner Daniela, aiming to reveal her sexuality to her family. The film dives into the secrets and complexities within Teresa's family, highlighting the universal struggle for acceptance and connection that many LGBTQ+ people go through, especially within Latino culture.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2023)
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Directed by Cuban Aitch Alberto, “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” is a touching coming-of-age story set in 1987 in El Paso, Texas. The film follows two Latino boys, Aristotle and Dante, as they explore their feelings for each other amidst societal and internalized homophobia. Alberto did a wonderful job at capturing the tender, profound emotions of self-discovery and the challenges of being Latine and queer in the 1980s.
In the shared language of emotion and empathy, cinema has the power to unite diverse experiences. These films represent an important segment of queer, Latine-directed cinema, each offering a unique lens into the realities of queer lives within the Latine context. As the world of cinema grows more inclusive and diverse, we look forward to more such narratives that continue to break barriers and celebrate the diversity of the human experience.
We totally get the feeling of watching a random TED talk at 3am then walking around the next day with a whole new outlook on life - they’re just inspiring like that. The magic of TED talks is unmatchable. Some hit harder than others though, so we’ve gathered a few that as Latinas you’ll find yourself shedding a few happy inspired tears.
What’s missing from the American immigrant narrative by Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez
We know the immigrant experience is a hard path filled with obstacles, but those who haven’t experienced it might not be too familiar with it. In this inspiring TedTalk, Camarillo tells us her story of immigrating and what coming to the U.S meant for her. Camarillo points out narratives that tend to glamorize the immigrant experience while flying past the struggles that come with it, also sharing her knowledge on how we can help those around us through this experience.
How to live passionately - no matter your age by Isabel Allende
Legendary Chilean author Isabel Allende’s TedTalk candidly shares the fears she had and continues to have as she ages, but most importantly she shares how she doesn’t plan on letting age stop her from living to the fullest. This is a must-watch for fans of Allende, who inspires you beyond belief to live your best life at every stage of it.
My identity is a superpower not an obstacle by America Ferrara
Diverse, actor, director and activist America Ferrara knows how the world looks better than anyone. As she analyzes instances in her career, she delivers a clear message to Hollywood: you need to stop resisting what the world actually looks like. Ferrera shares the importance of seeing our world as it is displayed in our media, with different cultures and authentic representation. She says, "Who we see thriving in the world teaches us how to see ourselves, how to think about our own value, how to dream about our futures."
The story of Marvel’s first queer Latina Superhero by Gaby Rivera
Rivera is responsible for creating a completely different kind of superhero story, not only because she can punch portals into other dimensions but also because her modern story broke barriers in popular media. America Chavez, the character written about by Rivera, is a superhero with characteristics that make her so openly human, it’s hard not to relate. Rivera shares how her own life as a queer Puerto Rican in the Bronx inspired all the qualities that make the newest America Chavez adventures so relatable.
Keep your eye on the prize by Lucy Flores
Luz Media’s very own CEO Lucy Flores brings us this talk to encourage everyone to see how our small actions can make life altering differences in the lives of others. Here she retells her own life story where her parole officer changed the trajectory of her life, and how that was only the beginning of a story about resilience, tenacity, and courage.
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