Interview on Univision’s "Despierta América" Exposes Britney Spears as Possible Racist
Pop queen Britney Spears recently placed her foot into her mouth during an interview on Univision's Despierta América, which took place last week. When asked what her favorite aspect of Latino culture was, Spears asserted that Latinos were "very sexy," and they made her think of the typical "bad boy" type that fathers warn daughters against. Spears, 32, could have easily used the opportunity to endorse positives that are apparent in the Latino community, such as strong family values, connections to the church, or perseverance.
Instead, Spears made mention of pressing stereotypes that Latinos have had to wear for decades upon decades: the stereotype of the "Latino Lover," machismo man, and bridge-and-tunnel individual. Fanning widespread stereotypes and negative social perceptions, even if unintentional, clearly states an apparent ignorance. Because if Spears, as woman, fails to see the detriment of pinpointing sexuality as the most favored trait, then it's certainly possible that Spears simply isn't paying attention.
The "Work B*tch" singer's exact words were: "I think it's very sexy. I've always liked Latino men. They make me think of a bad-boy type that your father wouldn't let you go out with." Those words were followed by interviewer Luis Sandoval asking Spears who her perfect man would be. Spears laughed, feigning charm and a poor Spanish accent, answering, "Just talk like you."
Spanish-adjacent gibberish rapidly sprung from Spears's lips when Sandoval asked her if she spoke any Spanish, and the tangled words left her in laughter, though Latinos around the country certainly found her actions less than funny.
"We realize the hot-blooded Latino male is a super prevalent stereotype, but you can't judge people based on their ethnicity!" Blogger Perez Hilton said, and then proceeded to call Spears an "accidental racist."
Latinos and journalists have raised the question, "Is the longstanding pop tart Spears racist?" And, if so, is this generalization a sentiment shared by many on the Hollywood scene?