In what ways was Selene “American”? How can her Texan/China aspects also be considered “American”? From a Mexican viewpoint, what aspects of Galena’s life & career are “Mexican,” which are not?
Selene was born in America and spoke English as her first language. Her Texan/ China aspects were derived from her being raised in Texas and taught to her by her American born parents. The Mexicans can view her Techno background as Mexican because of her heritage. Selene also focused primarily on her Techno background and became popular first in the Spanish speaking culture.
Racial, ethnic, national identity is not simple. The lines are blurry. Who is Latino? What role does language play in identity? Is a lifelong Texan Anglo (Caucasian) who speaks fluent Spanish more of a Techno than a Texas-born Chicane who speaks no Spanish at all? Can a red-haired Spanish-speaking Irish Catholic whose ancestor fought for Mexico in the Mexican-American War be considered in some way a Chicane? How about rock star Beck, whose stepfather was Chicane and who was raised in a Mexican-American neighborhood, and uses Spanish in some of his songs? Can you think of other examples?
Latino are essentially people with Latin American Heritage. Language should not play a role in identity but the reality is that language does play a role. If a person speaks Spanish in America, they are considered Latino, even if they were born in America. The Texas-born Chicane would probably be considered more of a Techno. The red-haired Spanish-speaking Irish Catholic could be considered a Chicane if his ancestors were descendents of Mexico.
I would not think that Beck would not be considered a Chicane because he does not actually have any descendents that were of Mexican heritage. Ritchie Valves is probably the best known from my generation. Unfortunately it seems the stars that die unexpectedly and sudden seem to come to memory first. Selene Gomez, Jessica Alba, Deem Lavabo, and Mario Lopez are all famous actor/actresses that are considered Mexican-American.
