Reading Response

I must start by sharing that the scene that Negron-Muntaner describes with Jennifer filming for Selena in the Houston Astrodome was a highlight of my childhood. Third grade Diego was with thousands of people in San Antonio screaming and cheering. If you want to know more just ask.

Jennifer Lopez is the second picture.

Now on to more relevant discussion. I was very surprised at the argument that was made about the importance and role of Jennifer Lopez's butt in a greater scope. Yes, she is curvy, sexy, and successful. However, I am not sure that I entirely agree with his notions of "Latino" excess and vulgarity. There is something to be said about the fact the Jennifer Lopez works out four times a week to stay in shape and her exercises focus on making her butt even "better" than it already is. A "Latino" audience would not relate and respond to a figure of a curvy image if it was seen as being a symbol of their perceived culture of excess. Part of the response to Jennifer is that she is a prominent and talented Latina that Hispanics can relate to a being similar, but if the image that she is created to be was always a representation of negative views of Latin culture she would not continue to be successful. Also, I agree with what Misty said about Jennifer and Britney's opening of the door to new body images and projections. Jennifer brought the back to the front! She has been able to create a new, more positive view of the female butt. It is not just something that is of the lower stratum and lowbrow anymore. It has become something to aspire to have, maybe not the best thing. However, Jennifer has created a platform for a curvy woman to talk and flaunt her ass-et. The idea presented about the vulgarity of the butt and its epistemology were not fully stated and did not seem to further the idea of Jennifer's butt acting to project Latino culture and body image changes. I would be glad to hear any further explanation of the last few pages of the article because I did not understand it all completely and was left with wanting more and a feeling of disconnect from the beginning to the end of the article.

As a closing side note, I am still heart broken by the very idea of Selena having liposuction. It is sad what people do to fit into the celebrity mold that is constantly changing, from what we have learned. Ironically the woman who portrayed her, is not the poster girl for big beautiful butts.