Opinion: Is the Latino Community Judging Yahritza Y Su Esencia and Angela Aguilar Too Harshly?

Opinion: Is the Latino Community Judging Yahritza Y Su Esencia and Angela Aguilar Too Harshly?
Credit: Instagram/ @YahritzaYSuEsencia --- By ZonaFrancaMX, CC BY 3.0

We all know that the Latino community is special. We don’t play around with the cultural pride we have and representing our roots is a shared value within our community. So, it’s understandable to feel strongly about anyone who doesn’t show our respective Latin American countries undying love and respect. Add social media into the mix and things can get complicated.  

Nowadays, social media has a lot of power as it can amplify opinions to a deafening volume. This means that celebrities often find themselves under the microscope of public scrutiny. Recent events involving Angela Aguilar and Yahritza Y Su Esencia have ignited a fiery debate within the Mexican and Latino communities, sparking conversations about identity, representation, and the perils of cancel culture. But does anyone else feel as though they are being judged with a heavier hand? 

What Has Gone Down?

Angela Aguilar, the self-proclaimed “Princess of Mexican music,” has been living among criticisms for the last few months. The singer, who hails from a renowned musical dynasty, attempted to explain her multi-cultural background by stating she is a “quarter Argentinian.” The comment, however innocuous it might seem, ignited a storm of criticism from Mexicans and Latinos who accused her of downplaying her Mexican roots. 

Pepe Aguilar, Angela’s father and renowned singer of Ranchera music, came to her defense, emphasizing that her comment was not meant to undermine her heritage but rather to acknowledge her diverse family background. Despite his explanation, the incident highlighted the complexities of addressing heritage and identity, especially in a world where cultural sensitivity is a constant conversation. Shouldn’t Aguilar be allowed to rep all of her roots without getting crucified? 

A few months later, Aguilar made a comment where she stated that she was “too American for Mexicans.” It’s as though she’s not paying attention to the discourse around her. But at the end of the day, she’s human and is allowed to make many mistakes – just like you and me. 

Meanwhile, Yahritza Y Su Esencia also found themselves in hot water due to recent comments regarding Mexico. The controversy erupted when Yahritza made comments that some interpreted as dismissive of her own Mexican roots. The backlash was swift, with critics accusing the band of disowning their cultural heritage. 

In an attempt to remedy the situation, the band, which is composed of Yahritza and her siblings, took to social media to apologize for their comments. Though the intention was there, people were still not buying it. As they continue to navigate a world filled with negativity towards them, they’ve spoken out about how their new status is affecting their family.  

For instance, Pepe Garza, a well-known Mexican radio host and musician, sat down with Yahritza Y Su Esencia to give them a chance to speak on the recent events. 

During the interview, Yahritza explained how this situation has made her feel unsafe. She even spoke about the death threats her brother has been getting. This interview, however, didn’t change the direction of the needle much. People are still upset at the band weeks after their initial comments.  

Do Angela Aguilar and Yahritza Y Su Esencia Deserve to Be Canceled?

These incidents, while seemingly separate, raise broader questions about representation and accountability in the age of social media. As the world becomes more connected, the role of celebrities in shaping cultural narratives has expanded. While some argue that figures like Angela and Yahritza have a responsibility to authentically represent their heritage, others point out the complexity of identity, especially for individuals with mixed backgrounds.  

Criticism, however, brings us to the heart of a much-debated topic: cancel culture. The phenomenon, characterized by swift public condemnation and calls to boycott individuals or entities over controversial actions or statements, has become a polarizing force. While it can serve as a powerful tool for holding individuals accountable, there are concerns about its potential for perpetuating a cycle of negativity and hindering growth. Still, we can’t forget that at the core of everything they are just human beings learning the tropes of society. Should they not be afforded the opportunity to mess up like the rest of us? 

Many advocates argue that cancel culture leaves little room for redemption and personal growth. Recognizing past mistakes and learning from them is an essential part of human development, and public figures are no exception. Instead of seeking to eliminate individuals from public discourse, some suggest that fostering conversations and promoting education can lead to more positive outcomes. 

If anything, the Angela Aguilar and Yahritza Y Su Esencia incidents serve as reminders of the need for empathy, understanding, and open dialogue. It’s hard enough as it is to make it in this world and it’s even harder when your own people don’t support you. All in all, it’s counterproductive to bring down people from our own community.  

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