Selena Didn't Know Spanish Either: Poems

Selena Didn't Know Spanish Either is a debut poetry collection that explores the author's cultural identity and experiences of assimilation, examining modern marginalization, appropriation, tokenizing, and fetishizing through the journey of a Latinx family.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 42 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2022
Publisher: Texas Review Press

“Selena Didn t Know Spanish Either is a debut poetry collection which seeks Tejano pop star Selena Quintanilla as a means of reconnecting to the speakers cultural identity. As Spanish language and culture becomes more accessible to non-Latinx populations, the speaker grapples with her own complex story of assimilation. Modern marginalization, appropriation, tokenizing, and fetishizing are examined in this multi-generational memoir tracking a Latinx familys journey to assimilation. This dynamic collection is far-reaching, exploring BIPOC experiences in predominantly white cultures.

from “Young Memoir” di·as·po·ra is silent. is spiritual. It is being robbed of memoir while you sleep in a suburb. it is nonconsensually sensual—it is a ques­tion. when it comes for you,what will you recover? what will you do to reclaim all that was forced lost?

Selena Quintanilla, the Tejano pop sensation, serves as a focal point for the debut poetry collection "Selena Didn t Know Spanish Either," which aims to reestablish a connection to the speakers cultural heritage. The speaker struggles with her own complicated history of assimilation as Spanish language and culture become more accessible to non-Latinx communities. This multi-generational memoir explores modern marginalization, appropriation, tokenizing, and fetishizing, tracing the journey of a Latinx family toward assimilation. This expansive collection delves into BIPOC experiences in predominantly white cultures.

The poem "Selena Didn t Know Spanish Either" by di·as·po·ra is a meditation on silence, spirituality, and the theft of memoir from the suburbs. It is a nonconsensually sensual inquiry that poses the question: When it comes for you, what will you recover? What will you do to reclaim all that was forcibly lost?

The speaker in the poem struggles with their own complex story of assimilation as they navigate the increasingly accessible world of Spanish language and culture. They grapple with the challenges of modern marginalization, appropriation, tokenizing, and fetishizing, which have shaped their experiences and identities. The memoir explores the journey of a Latinx family as they navigate the complexities of assimilation, facing both the rewards and the struggles of blending into predominantly white cultures.

The poem "Selena Didn t Know Spanish Either" by di·as·po·ra is a powerful exploration of silence, spirituality, and the complexities of assimilation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of reclaiming our lost narratives and stories, and of the ongoing struggle for cultural recognition and belonging. As Spanish language and culture continue to evolve and become more inclusive, it is essential to continue to explore these themes and to work towards a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

Weight: 151g
Dimension: 229 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781680032659