'Jane the Virgin' Star Gina Rodriguez Talks About What It Means to be 'Latino Enough'
Actress Gina Rodriguez is calling out people who participate in what she calls "interracial Latino racism."
During an interview with The Huffington Post, the "Jane the Virgin" discussed being accused of not being Latino enough, by other Latinos, because of how she speaks Spanish on social media.
The star opened up about this issues after she experienced it herself when she posted her People En Español's cover on Instagram and the actress was quick to receive a lot of critics.
After receiving hate, Rodriguez decided to post another image with a caption calling out her haters and explaining that she is not supportive of people being bullies online and taking joy in bringing down others.
"You know what saddens my heart, is when you try and celebrate an accomplishment with those that have helped you achieve it and no matter what, someone, anyone, has something negative to say," she captioned the post. "When did we decide social media was for hating, for putting others down rather than lifting them up. I refuse to participate in that kind of world."
Rodriguez, whose parents are Puerto Rican and who was raised in Chicago, felt it was her responsibility to speak up and told Fox News Latino that she believes people need to be held accountable for what they say on social media just like she is.
After her Instagram post, the actress saw a lot of comments from people saying that you aren't considered Latino enough "if you don't speak Spanish" or because you come from a mixed background.
"I speak Spanish, I can speak Spanish and I also understand everything," said Rodriguez. "But during interviews I get nervous, so I don't always say it very well. And I, grammatically, don't write Spanish very well but I understand everything. If you want to talk shit about me, I can understand everything that you're saying, which is the only thing that counts."
The Latina has built a reputation of being outspoken and, regardless of all the critics she gets, she refuses to stay silent.
"I'm sorry no, I don't agree with that," continued the 31-year-old. "It's like anybody turning to you and being 'You ain't human enough, you ain't pretty enough, you ain't tall enough, you ain't big enough.' What do you mean I'm not enough? No, I am enough. I am fully enough. And you're enough. And the girl that's half and half is enough. And the girl that only speaks Spanish is enough."
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