A Little History Lesson
Filed under: Icky Icky Poo > Latinolicious > Jessica Alba
People often ask, "Why do you dislike Jessica "Don't Call Me Latina" Alba so much?"
We'll let her words speak for themselves.
Here are just a few choice quotes from Alba.
She says:
"I've got cousins galore. Mexicans just spread all their seeds. And the women just pop them out."
"My grandfather was the only Mexican at his college, the only Hispanic person at work and the only one at the all-white country club. He tried to forget his Mexican roots, because he never wanted his kids to be made to feel different in America. He and my grandmother didn't speak Spanish to their children. Now, as a third-generation American, I feel as if I have finally cut loose."
"My grandfather was the only one in our family to go to college. He made a choice not to speak Spanish in the house. He didn't want his kids to be different."
"[Before] I always felt like such an outcast and now I feel like people are more diverse ethnically. I was always self conscience of my puffy lips and darker skin when I was a kid, because I felt like I didn't fit in. And now its mainstream, and color isn't as big of a deal and if anything its better."
"My whole life, when I was growing up, not one race has ever accepted me, … So I never felt connected or attached to any race specifically. I had a very American upbringing, I feel American, and I don't speak Spanish. So, to say that I'm a Latin actress, OK, but it's not fitting; it would be insincere."
"Alba is my last name and I'm proud of that. But that's it. My grandparents were born in California, the same as my parents, and though I may be proud of my last name, I'm American. Throughout my whole life, I've never felt connected to one particular race or heritage, nor did I feel accepted by any. If you break it down, I'm less Latina than Cameron Diaz, whose father is Cuban. But people don't call her Latina because she's blonde."
[Image via JPI Studios.]
Wow Jessica.
And to think how close I was to seeing 'The Eye'
Oh…wait…
Iam a second generation latina and proud of it!! people should stop gloryfing jessica alba because she only uses her hispanic roots when they are convinient for her!!
lame as hell.
Unlike, you, Perez..there are some people who had to grow up in areas where being of a different race or color were difficult on kids and their families.
The fact that this escapes you (a white mexican) doesn't surprise me. I don't think that villifying her for having to go through that experience is a good enough excuse to spread hate about the person.
That one brain cell getting lonely, Mario?
most people in america are ethnic i dnt really undersatnd
why shes giving all these pointers it feels like she hates
latino people its kinda weird shes freaky
PLEASE DONT CALL ME LATINA ALBA I TOTTALY AGREE WIV U PEEREZ XXXX
We can stem the tide of the epidemic by taking the time to recognize our brothers and sisters as humans that have been willed the right to exist anywhere in this world that they should so choose. That they also have the right to work and earn a fair and equitable wage. They must have the opportunity to raise their families without fear of the hate squads and the purveyors of bigotry and oppression. They must retain the right to choose their own system of government so long as all people remain free and equally represented. They must have the right to worship in their own private way without forcing their own religious beliefs on their neighbors.
We are the primary architects of our future destiny, and as such, can also be the physicians that are capable of initiating the healing process that our world so desperately is in need of. To myself as a citizen of the same world, I look forward to the time when the medication of brotherly understanding and respect begins to make its effect felt, and the world is on the road to good health! PEACE.
[excerpt from an essay written to celebrate the International Year of Peace]
why is that a reason to hate her?
she was expressing how her family brought her up,
and that she didnt feel that it was right to be called 'latino' because she was brought up in an all american family.
you're pissing me off perez with all your hilary basing ad your senseless oversensitivity to this young woman's benign comments. you say stupid shit all the time. just get over- people have different attachments to their cultures- which is their right.
I HATE her and cannot wait until she kills herself lol…I met her a few times here in vancouver when she was filming that tv show she was on and she is a super biatch!! And she is so fug…..
This is from as white bread a woman as you can get: Embrace your heritage, be proud of it! Good grief.
I don't see what is so wrong with what she said. She is proud to be American first. Perez is uptight because he is hispanic. I gurantee he wouldn't have a problem with someone who didn't play up the fact that they were black (Vin Diesle) or Jewish (Sarah Michlle Geller).
That's why I hate the bitch too. She's so shameful.
Perez is still an idiot. Here he tries to show why he is so rude about Jessica Alba, and he still winds up looking like a xenophobic douche bag. So sad someone with such a vast audience is such an ignorant person.
I think all her points are completely legit and refreshing. She is simply admitting that in terms of her ethnic background, she was not brought up to think she was anything except American. Is it so wrong that her family did not want her to be ridiculed or to think that she was SO different from her classmates??? To be perfectly honest, I respect her now more than ever.
the first few quotes are the ones that bother me. it seems like her grandpa did all the "losing your roots" thing.
……
I just didnt like when she said shes "finally cut loose" as though being hispanic is something bad to be attached to. but shes being honest.
……
i have third-gen friends who speak no spanish. Its bound to happen. As a family develops in this country they loose the language. I dont see many people of Italian descent speaking it or my friend whos grandfather was French speaking French.
……
Youre overreacting Perez.
I don't really see a problem with the last two comments. If there was nothing distinctly Latin about her upbringing and she feels closer ties to America than to the place her grandfather was born, then it's fine to self-identify as an American and not a Latina. At the same time, and probably even more so because she does not view herself as Latin, she should not speak disrespectfully of Latin cultures.
I really dont understand what your problem is?
They seem like perfectly acceptable comments.
She wants to fit in.
Shes in an English speaking country, why should she speak Spainish when everyone else doesnt.
Her Grandparents were born in California ffs.
Her family have lived in america for decades.
her makeup in this pic is AWFUL!
I think what she said is fine. She's right to say the things she has said. It's people like perez that try to put their ethnic identity above everyone else and push others down. All Perez is selling is racisim
its so sad that people are developing so much internalized racism to their own ethnic group. No that hyphenated 'crap' does not need to be let go of b/c it is you're all asking us to be white and sorry the world does not work that way. Good point Perez. As a man of color in such a cut throad industry I give kudos to you.
What's so wrong about what she's saying?
She's being truthful.
I can only assume the way YOU think/act is based on the way you were brought up. The same goes for Alba who was taught to repress her cultural background and instead identifies with her American heritage. I doubt any Mexicans even accept her in their community anyway, and not because of her statements. For someone so open-minded you should stop being so ignorant and accept the reasons why people choose to act the way they do. I wouldn't say she's ashamed, just realistic.
SHE IDENTIFIES HERSELF AS AN AMERICAN!!!!!!! WHATS WRONG WITH THAT!???? I'M PROUD OF WHAT SHE SAID!!!
What's wrong with what she said? It's like someone whose great grandparents came from Italy saying they consider themselves American, not Italian American. What's wrong with that? Or, I'm black. I don't call my self African American. I don't know anything about Africa. Is there something wrong that with? This country is just too obsessed about race and ethnicity, it's ridiculous. And, Perez, you are making a big deal out of nothing. I mean, I could see it if Alba was born in Cuba or a LA country, or her parents were, but they weren't.
My grandparents came from Germany but I don't conider myself a German; I am an American. I am sorry but I do not understand your sick mind. She was born an American and was not raised in the Mexicans tradition. Most of my friends were 2nd and 3rd generation "something" but we considered ourselves American. Get off your judgmental attitude. I do not judge you for being gay so why should you judge miss Alba.
Perez, I love you and you're fabulous, but I don't see any thing wrong with what Alba's saying. I mean, there are many Irish Americans in the U.S., but you don't see them insisting on speaking Gaelic. Same with Italian Americans. Do you see them insisting on speaking Italian, and making the rest of the country learn Italian to get jobs? While it's one thing to be proud of your roots — this IS America — where we should all unite as one, as Americans.
wow you can tell that this bitch is just trying to "fit in"….before she denied to be latina cause they would look down at her…but now that more latinos are getting famous she says she's proud to be latina….w/e
lol
hey jesika!! u are a bitch
yo soy mexicano y es un orgullo viva o no viva en mexico
i think that u are worst that michael jakson with his operation 4 changing his skin…
u suck puta!
There are SO MANY more reasons why I hate this bitch. She has a permanent stick shoved so far up her ass. She is a horrible actress yet she thinks her shit don't stink. Somebody needs to slap the bitch.
She is proud to be an American in America. What's the problem? If more people took pride in the country they in (and want to live in) the country would be a better place.
She's an ignorant fool! Denying your roots…how shameful!
All the people commenting that there is nothing wrong with what she is saying has to be white. She is ashamed of being Latina because she doesn't feel the dominant culture accepts her Mexican heritage. Obviously her grandfather played a huge role in that, but denying your heritage is not going to erase it. Her statements are justifying the discrimination Hispanics, and individuals of all diverse nationalities face in America. Perez has nicknamed her "don't call me Latina" Alba because she has asked for people not to associate her with being Latina. Her definition of being an "American citizen" is being white. And to me that is shameful.
She is a lost soul. I am mutiracial with a white last name but I have never denouced any of my cultures.
i dont understand
there's not a thing to be angry about in any o those comments
leave the girl alone
its hard to respect those who don't respect themselves…
She's right..after 3 generations..she's definitely American!!! This country will stay divided racially, culturally, ethnically if people don't start thinking of themselves as Americans.. Stop bringing the crap from the old country here!!!Mario, if you still think of yourself as Cuban, then go back to Cuba and fight Castro..don't stay here and bitch, girl..you're American Now and not Cuban anymore…
Thats right Perez, hate her because she is honest. The only problem, sir, is with you.
oh fuck.
really… get over yourself
…ridiculous.
there is nothing wrong with what she is saying. She has been raised american, and she wants to be considered American. I find that much more acceptable than those who claim to be w/e their heritage when they are three generations removed. She is happy to be american and that should be appreciated by all.
I totally understand her.
i hate when ppl say "this is america". that just goes to show how ignorant americans are. this country is based on immigration, without it this country wouldn't even exist. i think someone should be proud of where their from, not to the point of being so nationalistic, but to at least acknowledge it and respect it.
perez you need to get over it. if her last name were danish or french reflecting her other ethnic heritages you wouldnt even care. just because her grandfather was mexican doesnt mean she necessarily feels connected to that culture. and if she never felt embraced by that community before she was famous, why should she embrace them now?
WOW Jessica Alba - you fell into your own damn category - Jessica "don't call me Latina" ALba is just popping out babies like the rest of us Mexicans. Maybe we can make an exception and accept her at one of our own now. Whore.
She's a fucktard
I saw nothing wrong with those quotes. The first one is hilarious.
um, my great grandparents were norwegian. they came here from norway and spoke english instead of norwegian because that's the language that was being used. i don't know a single bit of norweigan as a result. am i expect to identify as someone from norway and spread my norwegian-ness around? that was three generations ago. get over it!
she grew up near where i grew up in southern california and it was very much a cool thing to be hispanic. and she would have felt more accepted being hispanic than not being hispanic, trust me on that. my high school was 80+ percent hispanic and i'm the same age as her. she was very much the majority. she's just a fucking whiney self-hater.
You know what, Perez, I can understand her point of view exactly. I was not born here but always liked everything having to do with this country. I had an innate desire to speak English at a very early age and made it a point to learn it properly. I know where I was born. I was born Cuban of Austrian and Spanish ancestry. I don't look "Latin", but i am what i am. I don't deny the fact that i am not American by birth, but have felt a connection and respect for this country. No, it is not perfect, but in my opinion it is the best. I would not trade my American citizenship for anything as I cherish and consider it an honor to be called an American citizen. I do not deny my ancestry and I speak four languages. At least Alba is being sincere by not exploiting her ethnicity. It is just that people who say things against the grain are considered to be personas non-grata. Perhaps you should revise your narrow minded view of life and accept other people's opinions as you proclaim others should accept yours
Perez, for an "out and proud" gay man, you are incredibly and undeniably intolerant. Every person has the right to choose WHO they want to be, privately and publicly. Homosexuals can keep their sexuality quiet, Latina women can identify more with their American culture than their Hispanic roots, and none of this means they are denying who they are. You've only given evidence here as to how nasty you can be, rather than buttress your point about Jessica Alba. I really enjoy your blog, but I think your judgment is highly questionable. P.S. Teddy is adorable.
Big fucking deal, she's young and dippy and can't express herself properly. What she's really trying to say is that she's proud to be an american. If you're born and raised in the USA, then you are american, she is right about that. Stop hatin on her, she's a beautiful girl, if nothing else.
she want to be white.. that is not going to happen, look a michel jackson..
changing my mind maybe is good idea ,she is can made her self better looking
What she's saying is understandable.
I don't see your reason for hating her.
Explain further?
she's only saying what happened with millions of immigrants that came to this country. people wanted to be American, they were, shockingly enough (apparently) proud of their new home. They cut many ties, inclusive of their native language, to celebrate, assimilate and feel apart of their new country. why is that wrong? just because it's she's not seething with pride in a culture she wasn't raised in? she's not denying her roots, she's honestly saying how she grew up. most of us would be speaking different languages-not all our ancestors are from england-no? should we all be criticized for the decisions our parents/grandparents made?
She is being a DUMB IGNORANT BITCH!!!! I am mexican and I hardly know any Spanish but it is partially my fault for that….and I am learning!!! This DUMB BITCH needs to start accepting what she is and appreciate it…. If she doesn't know spanish, learn it… if she doesn't know a damn thing about her culture… she should learn it… by her not doing anything about it makes her look so fucken IGNORANT AND STUPID… and it makes me sad to see how much she dislikes herself
I believe she can GET OVER HERSELF at any moments notice-I don't care how goodlooking she is!!!!
I don't see what the big deal is. She is not saying "don't call me latin". I was born in Jamaica, but I'm not Jamaican. Is that wrong? I think she is finding herself and identity is hard, very hard. I am mixed. To blacks I'm mixed, to whites I'm black. All I want is to be human… thats what I get from her "quotes"
YOU ARE SO FUCKING IGNORANT!!! She is saying something that i'm sure a lot of people could relate to. She is being honest and addressing race and talking about what is true. Good for her she doesnt see herself as any other nationality than what she,you and I are… AMERICAN… quit impeding social change and inteligent thought you worthless fat ass
Looks like this beaner is spreading her seed too!
Oh yeah because thats sooooo bad. I have a friend whos "african-american"… shes white. I really don't like calling people mexican or latino/a. It puts labels on people. Labeling is sucky… thats ok down the line we'll all be brown.
Not knowing or wanting to know your background doesn't make you a bad person. IMHO.
If she wasn't mexican she wouldn't be famous. She has no talent and is a shitty actress. The only reason she is famous is because of her exotic looks…that come from her LATINA roots. stupid bitch!
Re: Jill –
yeah but why do you have to be accepted in those terms…why cant we just be accepted with the way we are, not by to pretend you are something alse.
JESSICA,YOUR PATHETIC!!
Still not seeing the problem in what she said. She's being honest, which is more than I can say for many Hollywood folks. If she embraced her Spanish side more, people would call her out for hyping up the fact that she's Latina when she wasn't raised in that culture.
ARREPENTIDA!!!!
BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTTCCCCCCCCCCCCHHHHHHHH
'LATIN' is not even a race. SPAIN, you know, the country that invented this Spanish and all you sorry ass 'latinos', we consider ourselves white. You latinos just bread with the native American peoples, who are the brown ones.
She has a good point, y r u all hating? Whats wrong with being American? I'm a 3rd generation Italian whose parents didn't teach me Italian for the same reasons, they EMBRACE being American. Last time I checked ENGLISH was the official language if this country!
its ok to be raised american and to be third generation or whatever. but you should never be ashamed of what your heritage is. without it you wouldnt be who you are. and sorry little jessica. but that latina in you is what got you so many of your roles. she'd be nothing without her big lips, curves, and dark hair- all traits of her latin background. so for her to shun it in such a careless way…FUCK YOU. as a latino im ashamed to have you out there representing me.
Wow,
I just really do not understand what you have against her. All of her comments are just her statements about the way she was brought up. It is not her fault. You are more what you are raised as than what your skin color is. You do not seem to mind half of the wiggers acting out differently from their skin color so what is the problem??
It is obvious that the issue of being Latino is a big one for you and that you must have been teased a lot when you were kid. You have been raised as one and despite the teasing and belittlement have learned to love yourself. However, you probably had your whole family behind you and supporting you.
She didn't. She was not raised as one, did not speak Spanish due to her grandpa etc. The statement that she feels American is more of a fact than a denial. You are passing judgement on someone who is just being honest. You are turning into one of those kids that used to torment you at the lunch table.
North America as a whole is made of ENTIRELY mixed races of people, we ALL (except for native americans) exist on this continent because our ancestors immigrated here. Why should anyone, no matter what race, be ashamed of their roots and culture? The fact that her grandparents and parents encouraged this is the real shame. When she mentions that she felt outcasted because of her features and darker skin, it only makes me wonder if she feels this way because of the actions her grandfather took, to make it seem like he was ashamed of his roots and so should she. I wonder if she would feel that way without that influence.
Ugh!! I have lost all respect for her! Thanks Perez for sharing light on what a loss of brown power she has thrown away. Oh and just because you say your not hispanic doesnt mean your not, its in your blood!
eh as long as she doesn't try to make it in the latin world then its alright. cause if she does she'll probably be, "I've always loved my latin background."
as long as she doesn't become a hypocrite about it.
Re: martin – Yo, that makes no sense. AND in actuality, African Americans have a simular problem. When they go to Africa Africans say to them you are not African, you are not from here, you are an American. And DUH, American doesn't mean white you dipshit.
I know exactly how she feels.
I am an aboriginal australian however due to the fact I am whiter than most Caucasians and never had any of the culture around me i feel more like an Australian. There is nothing racist about pointing that out. It's how I identify myself as a person, you perez should know all about how important Identity is to a person.
There is nothing racist about this girl, she is simply pointing out that although she has latina roots, she was never brought up around the culture and as a result now doesn't identify herself as one.
Im sure you showed her though perez, people now know not to open up about themselves. Facist Pig.
Uhh…She says nothing offensive. She says she doesn't want to be called a Latin actress. So? I would hope we were beyond the point where we have to label ourselves as a certain race. I'd much rather be an actress, and judged on my merits as an actress, then simply a "Latin actress." It implies difference. It implies that you're being judged not on your qualities as an actress but on your qualities as a _Latina_ actress…which is not to say that people who do identify racially are bad. It's to say that it's ridiculous that you think they _have_ to identify as such. Would you rather she lie and claim this deep affinity for her roots that she's never had? My great-grandparents are from Hungary. Should I be labeling myself a Hungarian whatever? Am I horribly offensive and self-hating because I don't label myself that?
what's the problem? SHE"S PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN! is there something wrong with that? my italian grandparents didn't speak italian to their kids b/c they came to american to BE AN AMERICAN!
how lame. she's such a bad actress too
shes a dumb stupid bitchhhh
where are these quotes from?
Shes obviously someone who is very ashamed of her race because, she feels like it sets her apart from everyone else. To feel like an outcast because of your darker skin and puffy lips is a sad (and pathetic) thing to admit out loud. And now its okay because its more excepted by todays society? To say that my last name is Alba, but THATS the only connection I have with my mexican/cubian heritage is a disgrace to herself and her race. Theres so much self hatred in what shes saying. When her child is born, is she going to encourage them to date someone with blond hair and blue eyes because its more exceptable to look white? She needs some serious counseling, and anattitude adjustment. I hear that shes a real bitch.
Re: ProudAmerican – i totally agree. i don't see the problem…
need not explain…it's just jessica alba…who cares
love ya P!
I think it is fine. Leave her alone.
so, you hate her because she says "I'm just American" and not screaming that shes Latino…. Who cares, get over yourself.
People have the right to believe what ever they want. She most likely was brought up that way.
i think you're misinterpreting what she's saying.
maybe she doesn't want to pimp out that fact that she's Mexican for the sake of her career? or maybe she's afraid that if she DOES start doing that, people who are full blooded Mexicans will feel she's not Mexican enough…or that she'll be type-casted or something?
who knows her reasoning, but unless she comes out and says "i hate the fact that i'm Mexican", you should give her a break. don't be so touchy!
Ok The woman don't feel to connected to her Mexican heritage, what is wrong with that? Obviously her family didn't teach her any pride of her roots, her own grandfather never spoke spanish. We are what we being told.
Perez, don't tried to be so PATRIOTIC please……If you were a real cuban you will not endorsed politicians who support Castro and Chavez….So let's get real here…..
you people are so fn stupid, she is not saying that she is white she is saying she is american.wich makes sense becouse that is were she is born and raised.
nothing wrong with that she said, back in the day that's how alot of people felt. So naturally she did not grow up around it. She was not disrespectul at all, maybe Perez is so insecure with himself and his nationality and feels less so he has to pull anyone and everyone down with him to feel better about himself, I for one would rather represent my nationality with dignity and morals not like Perez, who Iam ashamed of how he represents himself, like a clown shames any nationality. Wish he would get some class and show people who stereotype people as short, dark, uneducated border crossers that we (Hispanics) come in all colors, yes even with blue eyes and blonde hair.
I used to NOT like her for the same reasons you do. But then again I think it is HER CHOICE and HER decision.. and yeah some of her comments are straight up ignorant. But Some comments in there are new to me.. she's right, why don't people go aroundup cameron's ass? because she's blonde!
Alba has a good point… i had an american upbringing as well.. but i still recognize my roots, she choose to be herself and if you think about it, her mexican roots are so far off it's best to not call her that.
She wants to be recognized as just another american actress, but that is not going to happen, not in this country. she's dreaming, but I see her points of view and I can relate, even though I still think a lot of her comments were not necessary. she can brag and talk about herself all she wants, but she doesn't have to go on about her ingorance.
She's right on for todays assimilation concept …get off her back on the Latina bit — she's American of Latin heritage and seems proud of it — you - Prissy Perez - seem to be the affected one…yet you love the American $$…no problem with you taking as much as you can - right…or do you have it all changed to pesos or Fidel dollars?
LMAO this is the best!!
haha how stupid is that last comment? shes dumb!
who cares what she is…latin…american……thick as fuck…..she's still a dickhead
I grew up as a lighter skinned sandy blonde hispanic. The darker skinned kids called me names the caucasion kids called me names, but you have to have a strong family to ground you. Let you know that a lot of spaniards are lighter skinned. My grandfather didn't allow us to talk spanish in his house because he thought the more "american" we were the more of an edge we would have on life. I had to grow up and embrace my latin side. It's a no-win situation. And it shouldn't even be an issue, but it is.
Re: Una Espanola –
wtf dude. Latinos are from Central/South America. Hispanics are from Spain. chill dude. u come off as a wanker.
Re: ~*pattycakes*~ –
well said hun
:)
proud to be latinas!!!!
Perez has said things way more offensive on an hourly basis. Jessica Alba ftw.
She's got a point. She's American. America is a land of immigrants. AMERICANS consist of people of ALL different backgrounds and heritage. Just because she says she's American doesn't mean she's claiming that she's ALL WHITE. America wasn't founded by the WHITES.
how is that being ashamed of her culture?? She feels that she's American not hispanic. Its how SHE feels. I'm American not German or European even though my grandfather was born in Germany…Get over it.
you are an idiot Peres. So, because she identifies more with being an American than with any other ethnicity - specifically Hispanic - you hate her? Get over it!
Re: Trinity –
Unfortunately she does play the latin card when it is convienient for her like at the ALMA awards.. alot of people took exception to her b/c of her previous comments but according to many people there her family acted quite snobby as if they were above the latin crowd.
and her recent article she now is including herself among the colored actors.. someone needs to give this girl a reality check..for one she is not and never will be colored (which I beleive is offensive to some) and secondly she is not that good an actress to align herself with Halle Berry..
She is so ignorant as to name Jennifer Lopez as a colored actress..that girl up close is as white as most people.
I especially did not like the way she dissed Eva Mendes whose one of the most likable and hard working actresses of hollywood (hardly ever in the tabloids).. that set me off completely and now I will cross ms. Jessica off my list…
Jessica should get a reality pill these are the facts
Eva mendes movies made twice the amount she pulled in..