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Jan 2021
41m 54s

Birth of a Symbol

WBUR & Futuro Studios
About this episode
In her life, Selena was a symbol of hope. She became a role model for how Latinos could achieve the American dream and find acceptance. But a forgotten culture war following her death painted a different picture. In the 25 years since her murder, Selena’s image has taken on new meaning. In this episode, Maria traces how Selena became a symbol of solidarity a ... Show More
Up next
Jan 2021
Big Butt Politics
<p>Nearly 30 years ago, Sir-Mix-A-Lot’s “Baby Got Back (I Like Big Butts)” hit the airwaves to the delight and shock of listeners.</p> <p>Today, the obsession with big butts is still strong with idols like Cardi B and Beyonce. It has also permeated white culture, with Kim Kardas ... Show More
44m 35s
Feb 2021
Tejano Tension
<p>Selena is often called the "Queen of Tejano music." In the 1990s, she brought this underdog genre to international heights. Tejano award shows were glitzy affairs and Tejano radio DJs were like rock stars in Texas and the Southwest. Even the New York Times called it the fastes ... Show More
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Feb 2021
Spanglish
<p>Selena Quintanilla may have built her career singing Spanish songs, but she didn’t grow up speaking Spanish at home. She learned Spanish in the public eye, and her mistakes became some of her most famous and endearing moments.</p> <p>In this episode, Maria explores why Selena ... Show More
43m 4s
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