College - Author 1
College of Liberal Arts
Department - Author 1
World Languages and Cultures Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BA in Spanish
Date
6-2025
Primary Advisor
René Carrasco, College of Liberal Arts, World Languages and Cultures Department
Abstract/Summary
This project will focus on how Selena Quintanilla-Perez broke barriers in Tejano music for women and became a cultural icon representing the aspirations of the American Dream for the Mexican American community. The paper begins with a summary of Selena’s life and accomplishments, followed by an examination of the history of Tejano music, the role of women within the genre, Selena’s unique relationship with it, and how she embodies the pursuit of the American Dream while representing the Mexican-American identity within the community. Through this analysis, the project highlights how Selena’s success challenged traditional gender roles and bridged bicultural identities, ultimately making her a symbol of pride and identity for many Mexican Americans. This analysis will be carried out in the form of a research paper.
My project reflects my experience as a WLC student because as a Spanish major, I have had the opportunity to study multiple topics that all piqued my interest. Still, my favorite topic was Chicano culture in the United States, more so on the music aspect and how it has evolved throughout the years. I have also had the opportunity to learn about the theme of belonging between the borderlands in Chicanx culture. I was fascinated with the concept and enjoyed analyzing works with this theme, such as Gloria Anzaldúa’s book Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza. Therefore, keeping the music and Chicanx themes in mind, I want to connect them with Selena and analyze the obstacles she had to go through to become a successful singer and a symbol for Mexican-Americans that reflects the hopes of the American Dream.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mllsp/68