COCONUT Written By: Arturo Rodriquez Prologue Have you ever seen the movie, Selena. I have, many times. For those of you unaware of the film from 1997, it is a biopic depicting the life of the titular Selena Quintanilla, “the Queen of Tejano Music.” The role of Selena is brilliantly performed by musician, Jennifer Lopez, and a Chicano success story of one of the trailblazers of Tejano music. The film tragically ends with the death of Quintanilla, the aftermath of her passing, and the legacy she left behind. Now, you may be wondering why I am talking about Selena and her movie. For starters, I love Selena’s music. Her fourth album, Amor Prohibido, is a classic and is filled with bangers. Every time I listen to Bidi Bidi Bom Bom, I cannot help myself and start dancing and singing along to the song. However, the film includes a scene that has impacted and shaped the way I view myself as a person. The scene depicts Selena and her brother, Abie (Jacob Vargas), riding along in their father’s car. Selena and Abie urge their father, Abraham (Edward James Olmos), to perform in Mexico much to his chagrin. Abraham is concerned and denies performing in Mexico because he is worried that his children aren’t “Mexican” enough to perform in Mexico. Abraham then goes on a rant of the troubles of living within two cultures. “Being Mexican-American is tough. Anglos Part 1
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