J. Lo & Kahlo: How do you see this play out? What are your thoughts about yesterday and today's readings? Can these things be viewed as empowerment?

I think anyone taking a WGS course would agree that representation matters. It matters in the workforce, schools, elected officials, etc. 

It should be said that as a community, the Latino (insert your preferred term here), is still to this day being short-changed for our contributions in the U.S. (and the world). 

I hardly feel as though Jennifer Lopez represents me. I say this as someone who purchased or was gifted her first handful of CD's. I still enjoy her music. Most of it is upbeat and I have good memories of road-tripping with friends in my 20's with her music as the soundtrack. 

Someone lifted her up at a time when there was a lack of POC on basic television. She was a background dancer on In Living Color. She is not a major award winning actress but I think she could be. She is uplifted now in her 50's because she has a tireless work ethic and has built an empire over the course of her adult life in the entertainment industry. I loved Selena Quintanilla when I was younger. I knew all of her songs and dances. I'm glad Jennifer Lopez was the one who portrayed her in the movie, Selena. Does Lopez have the same success if Selena Quintanilla isn't killed? We'll never know.

Too often we (Latinos) are portrayed in tv/film as gang-bangers, waitstaff or a Maid in Manhattan. We are lacking as far as representation in other places of employment: National Journalism, Professional Sports, Elected Officials Elite Leadership in K-12 AND Higher Ed (Superintendent, Deans, Chancellor's, etc.). We need to work as a community to uplift each other. And we need to speak up and say enough is enough with the poor representation. In Hollywood, schools, on the local 10pm News and in the board room.

There is no denying that Jennifer Lopez is one of the most influential entertainers in the world and in history. Someone told Jennifer "YES" and she ran with it. And no one has made the most of an opportunity more she has. For me, that is empowering. Not the music, or money.

I disagree with the words "Fetishizing Frida". I didn't touch on this reading yesterday, so I will today. I am on the fence about big-box and the like using Frida Kahlo in terms of marketing products. I understand that they are trying in vain to bring in the Latino community. I once worked in clothing and electronic retail for several years. We didn't get to pick and choose what we stocked the shelves with or what product we pushed at the cash register. But we did it because we needed the job. I won't go to Target for a Frida print on a shopping tote. But that doesn't mean I won't shop at Target or that I won't make that purchase at a locally owned Latino shop or vendor somewhere. Shopping local matters. Corporate Social Responsibility matters. Having a "Hispanic" aisle in a store isn't enough.

I don't think it is a fetish. A fetish is having an excessive, irrational or obsessive commitment to something. I think it is a desperate attempt to make money to avoid bankruptcy or closure. It is definitely Cultural Appropriation. The way to overcome this is for us to speak up, break the glass ceilings and to bring others with us along the way if we are able. We must do our part. Having something Frida in a store is no different than having something Jennifer Lopez.

The truth is, Frida Kahlo's story is a sad one. It is one that needs to be told more. Divorce, disability, early death by today's standards. Her story could also be empowering for some. She was a queer artist before it was socially acceptable. Here's hoping that when the time comes, Jennifer Lopez and her story will be told and not just sold in the Women's department store on a shirt for $18.