Selena Research Paper

Although Selena was becoming one of the most popular people in Tejano music, she still struggled with speaking Spanish. As it was her goal to take her music across all barriers, she knew she had to master the language if she wanted to make a difference (Marvis 12). She could sing in Spanish with the help of her father, but when it came to talking in press conferences and with others, she had difficulty with the language. She did not let her mistakes discourage her from trying to speak the language. Instead, she often laughed off her mistakes in Spanish interviews and never gave up trying to master the language (López 13). Her honesty that she was still learning and her effort to keep trying is what made her adored by Mexicans. Selena lived

She wanted Tejanos and Mexicans to settle their differences, at least with the language difference. She showed both worlds how they could exist with each other, as much of her music was a mix of English and Spanish. Her music was enjoyable to both Mexicans and Tejanos, which she hoped could help bring them together. Her voice and how she sang with sung vigor and passion in both languages showed both Tejanos and Mexicans to be proud of their heritage, whether they spoke Spanish or not. Throughout her career, Selena wanted to “moderate the ethnic prejudice,” that many Tejanos felt during her time(Marvis 13). Although she struggled with the Spanish language at first, she overcame it, proving to young Tejanos that not knowing something doesn’t define you or make you lesser than. And by singing and later speaking in Spanish, she gave Mexicans a voice in Tex-Mex music and gave them a way to see their heritage in popular

When she was 21 and charting number one on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums, she decided to start her own fashion line. Even before creating her own clothing line, Selena designed many of her own onstage costumes. In 1994, Selena opened Selena Etc., a series of boutiques in Corpus Christi and San Antonio. Representing more than just a fashion line, Selena Etc. gave her the opportunity to make something her own(Garza). Selena had begun singing with her family and toured with them managing her career. She was always connected to them, so her own clothing line allowed her to create and manage something of her own. By creating her own business, Selena was able to represent a common goal that many Texas Latinos have: “the desire to realize their dreams of financial independence”(Acosta and Winegarten 172). She continues to be a prominent example of a successful business woman who was able to strive for independence while pursuing her passion. Although her musical career was prosperous and growing, she showed many that pursuing multiple interests is within reach. Selena’s fashion line proved that we do not have to choose between 2 passions, and pursuing both is a possibility for everyone while also gaining