Spitfire Transition Tales: Can a U.S. Latin/a American Star Moved Beyond a Stereotype and if so How?

• In Event: Gendering Globalization, Globalizing Gender Through Latinidad

Abstract

This research project explores the arduous task that many Latina stars engage in after reaching global mainstream presence through the spitfire role. Dating back to Lupe Velez and up to Sofia Vergara, one of the most common ways for Latinas to enter mainstream popular culture has been through the hypersexualized, curvaceous, loud, and often comical, dancing beauty. Once in the mainstream, Latina stars attempt to move beyond this role, to craft an enduring career. In addition to previously named stars, Carmen Miranda, Rita Moreno, Charo, Rosie Perez, Salma Hayek, and Jennifer Lopez have all attempted to move beyond this entry point to mainstream popular culture. This project examines the strategies that Latina stars have pursued and continue to pursue and their relative success. Issues of gender, ethnicity, and language figure prominently in strategies for career longevity. Branding techniques, incursions into media production, and differential commodification related to accent contribute to contemporary strategies.

Author

• Angharad N. Valdivia, U of Illinois