Since I was child, I was used to the idea that Spanish-speaking faces on television were characterized by European presenting Latinxs. And now as an adult, Yalitza Aparicio graces televisions all around the world in Roma, a biographical film based on the life of an indigenous domestic worker in Mexico City.
The film is commended for its brilliant attention to detail and artistic cinematography. After watching the film, you’d be shocked to know that the cast and crew had no access to the script, a secret that director Alfonso Cuaron kept to himself. Everyone except Cuaron were unaware of the ending, but each day of filming came closer to revealing the conclusion. Not only is Roma a film of remarkable scenes, each like a moving painting, but it is an artistic performance piece.
What’s most impressive is the heights of success that actress Yalitza Aparicio has reached as a Latina, Mexican, and indigenous woman.
There is brainwashing involved in media, convincing audiences that European features are key to remaining relevant, a qualification for Hollywood success. Recently, audiences celebrated empowering breakthrough films like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians. With Roma in our presence, this is the chance to celebrate the Latinx breakthrough.
The actress was born in Oaxaca, Mexico, daughter of parents with indigenous origins (her father being Mixtec and her mother as Triqui). Aparicio was a college student working toward being a school teacher before considering the role of “Cleo” in Roma. Her older sister, who was pregnant at the time of casting, urged her to participate at the casting call in Tlaxiaco. Even with no acting experience, she manages to breathe life into a docile character, an entity that is far different than her own.
Yalitza is warm and witty; she is as down-to-earth as she is professional. Just as filming for Roma had ended, she didn’t anticipate all the attention she was destined for, especially between the United States and Mexico media.
As a result, she is the first indigenous actress to be nominated for an Oscar. Additionally, she is the second Mexican woman to be nominated for “Best Actress”. According to the Comprehensive Annenberg Report on Diversity, Latinxs are the least represented in US television and film. The static is startling, even when approximately 11.7 percent of Latinx make up the US population. Aparicio, who once thought she would never hear from the directors or the crew post-filing, had been nominated for over two dozen awards. An opportunity like this is like nothing she had ever dreamed of.
Yalitza is like a flower rising through the crack of a sidewalk; she is thriving in an industry that is notorious for not giving indigenous people opportunities.
Latinx representation of all kinds on television has always been anticipated by the Latinx community. It’s refreshing to see a face like Aparicio’s; a face that is unfamiliar to Hollywood but a face that is a symbol of home to people like me.
Aparicio’s presence was not well received by everybody, even though she’s making history. What’s more shocking is the lack of support and mockery that is being generated by the racism in the Latinx community. It’s as though we forgot what it meant to appreciate our representation, especially when Aparicio has earned generous recognition for her talents and the nomination of an Oscar; an achievement worth being proud of.
Instead, my timeline is bombarded by Aparicio memes, all mockery that reduces her to stereotypes; a kind of surface racism disguised as “humor.” The cherry-on-top to the situation has to be Mexico’s La Parodia, putting themselves in hot water after a black-face parody featuring actress Yeka Rosales acting as Aparicio. The creators of the show were taken aback by the backlash, but that was a lesson they had to learn.
The gorgeous indigenous actress has been treated like a smear in a portrait of Euro-presenting Latinx Hollywood. Instead of seeing comments of encouragement, she is torn down, harshly criticized, and mocked.
The humble actress is simply grateful, truly happy that she can travel worldwide and take her mother with her.
Aparicio, with shoulders upright, proudly shares her mantra on Plaza Sesamo, Mexico’s Sesame Street. “Si puedo imaginarlo, puedo lograrlo,” she tells her young audience. The simple, yet powerful phrase translates to “If I can imagine it, I can achieve it.” She is kindle to a fire that is roaring and cannot be silenced.
With captivating films like Apocalypto, Instructions Not Included, Selena, Walk Out, Mi Familia, and finally Roma, steps are building up to the overall representation and recognition that Latinx deserve. It can be overwhelming to generate a positive first impression while representing an underrepresented community. When you’re one of the few people in your community to represent them on mainstream media, it can be nerve-wracking to represent that entire demographic.
Yalitza Aparicio and Roma have made history. As Latinx and minorities, we should celebrate this genuine and natural representation of one section of Latinx life. Yalitza is hope in a world that needs her but doesn’t deserve her.
Alma Tovar
Features Editor