Latin music has woven its way deep within current American music. The late 20th century experienced a large cultural shift which brought the unique Latin beats to the forefront of American’s attention. This wave brought new and upcoming Latin artists from all across the country and in all different genres. But no one seemed to steal the hearts of the population like Selena Quintanilla-Perez and her family band. Selena had brought someone never heard of in the music industry; a female led Tejano band which blended pop and rock along with culture. She was a trailblazer for the explosion of Latin music and opened doors for Hispanic women; she broke barriers that most had never dreamed of reaching with ease. But, to what extent did she contribute …show more content…
One of these achievements was how she was the face of a women-led band, something that was rarely seen in the Tejeno music scene at the time. Selena y Los Dinos challenged gender norms and broke many expectations. Even her music was revolutionary as it strayed from the traditional cultural sounds of Tejeno music and instead blended it with other genres- such as pop- to create a new and fresh sound. This new fusion had broken through and related to many different backgrounds and identities. She challenged the stereotypes about Mexican Americans, proving that language and cultural background could never be a barrier to one's success. Perez continuously celebrated her heritage and proudly represented the Latine community; bolstering a sense of pride among her fans. A woman of many talents, Perez was also making waves in the fashion world. She was known for her distinctive stage costumes; made by Selena and her mom based off of Perez’s own designs. Her choices were daring and bold, which set new trends while pushing boundaries, showcasing her bright personality and pride in her style. Selena was never one to let fame get to her head, she was a devoted philanthropist for her fans and the people. Perez had used her platform to advocate for charitable causes and to raise awareness for various organizations, such as the American Cancer Society and the drug abuse resistance and education (D.A.R.E). Selena always found something new to do while also leaving behind a trail of broken expectations and genuine kindness throughout it