BuzzFeed Reacts to TODAY's Stereotypical 'Spicy' Reference to Juanes 'Bringing Latin Flair' to the Plaza
If you're Latino or of Latin descent -- or not Latin at all -- do you feel uncomfortable or offended when someone references Latinos as bringing the "spice" or the "Latin flair?"
Well, BuzzFeed reporter, Adrian Carrasquillo, isn't fond of the references, which were used by TODAY to describe Colombian rocker, Juanes' live performance on the plaza. He tweeted out his concerns, which were mimicked by many of his Twitter followers.
While Carrasquillo commended the news outlets, such as NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon as well as TODAY for featuring the multi-Latin Grammy winner, he called TODAY out for using the headlines: "Juanes spices up TODAY live in concert" and "Video on TODAY: The Colombian pop superstar brings some Latin flair to TODAY with a live performance."
Awesome that Juanes is on Tonight Show, now Today Show. But we need to stop this "spice, latin flair" bs people. pic.twitter.com/gATLjU9Q6H
— Adrian Carrasquillo (@RealAdrianC) April 21, 2014
The TODAY reporter who wrote the headlines probably didn't mean any harm and was just doing what most people in mainstream media do, unaware that these types of comments reinforce stereotypes of Latinos who bring so much more to the table -- and shouldn't be compared to food on the table.
@RealAdrianC Icky. Tired of being described like food, etc.
— Sarah Ramírez (@sari_ramirez) April 21, 2014
Latinos indeed bring an undeniable passion and zest for life, talent, creative genius, amazing music, culinary contributions, athletic ability and are cutting-edge with technology, yet are "old-school" in the sense that they value their elders, traditions, culture and Latin roots. We also can't ignore that Latinos also have sex appeal, which obviously shouldn't be exploited, but unfortunately happens too often. Basically, Latinos are awesome, well-rounded and make the world a better place and deserve much more.
@RealAdrianC it's so annoying because I don't think of Juanes in that way. They're always trying to fetishize Latinos
— Gilbert Romero (@GilRomeo92) April 21, 2014
Whether or not you agree that the references made by TODAY insult, exploit or "fetishize" Latinos, it's important that more people, especially reporters, be more aware of how they describe Latinos.
Full disclosure, I too have been guilty of using the term "adding the Latin flair" in the past, and as someone who is half Latin, I obviously didn't mean any harm by it and would never deliberately offend anyone. Bottom line, we can all learn from our mistakes, take accountability for them, and always strive to be better.
Juanes' music is an intoxicating blend of acoustic-driven, rock and pop-infused sound with an edgy twist that stays true to his Colombian roots. He has made his mark in the entertainment industry in the U.S. and abroad and has recently released his highly-anticipated album "Loco de Amor," the first album in four years, which has hit No. 1 in a dozen countries.
This morning, the international sensation performed hit songs "La Luz" and "Mil Pedazos" on TODAY.
Juanes will continue to wow at the 2014 Billboard Latin Awards on April 24 at 7 p.m. ET.
Check out more coverage on the Colombian singing sensation: