Anything for Selena
Common Sense Media Review
By Juan Rodriguez Aguilar
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Docu-memoir series explores the late singer's influence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Listen
Parent and Kid Reviews
What’s It About?
ANYTHING FOR SELENA is a part-documentary, part-memoir series based on the true-life story of Mexican American singer Selena Quintanilla Pérez. The influential Tejano pop singer died tragically in 1995 at the age of 23 years old during the height of her popularity, helping put Latinos on the map and breaking barriers of all kinds with her charismatic, free-spirited personality and memorable songs. In each of the nine episodes, Garcia dives deep into a specific topic centered around the different ways Selena made an impact on culture and music, and how her legacy lives on today -- whether it's Latino identity and belonging, fatherhood, race, or the power of image and celebrity. Selena was always a dreamer, the living embodiment of positivity -- always reminding Mexican Americans and other Latinos that it's possible for them to achieve great things. And if they encounter obstacles due to not being "American" enough, there's always ways to overcome them. Instead of following a typical linear documentary-style pattern, Garcia has a throughline of themes and important cultural impacts she highlights in each episode. Each episode is unique in its approach. In one eye-opening one, Garcia gathers the courage to interview Selena's father, who was known to be overly protective of her life and career before her untimely passing. One lighthearted episode touches on the media's obsession with big butts, and how artists like Selena and Jennifer Lopez began a mainstream craze that quickly turned political. Episodes feature Selena's iconic music and typically run about 45 minutes.
Is It Any Good?
Maria Garcia, the host of the podcast, traveled to Corpus Christi, Texas, the home of Mexican American Tejano pop singer Selena, with one question in mind: What does her journey teach us about what it means to belong when you're a Latino in the United States? Anything for Selena is both relatable and empowering as it asks the question many Latino citizens think about when feeling the need to blend in with U.S. culture. This podcast is a beautiful reminder that Selena was so much more than her music -- she was also a source of strength and understanding for a large portion of Latinos in the United States.
Garcia has strong journalistic integrity as she seeks the answers to her questions throughout each episode. The nine episodes, plus two bonus episodes, go into a wide range of subjects, each telling Selena's unique story from two points of view: the choices she personally made to live her best life, and the ways that those choices affected the culture. The rich catalog of Selena's songs, which make numerous appearances throughout the show, is an added bonus to this already well-executed audio production. From heart-rending ballads to festive Tejano music, these songs feel as alive today as they felt over three decades ago. It's why Selena continues to resonate today with millions of people regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Anything for Selena highlights the enormous influence of Selena and how she helped raise awareness for the Latino community.
What did the host learn about what it means to belong when you come from two separate cultures? Is this something you've gone through? What can you take from this podcast to have a greater understanding and sense of belonging?
Selena embodied humility and compassion, even as she became more and more famous. How did these character strengths she displayed empower young women?
Have you ever lost a friend or family member? How did it make you feel? If so, what are ways to better cope with mourning and loss?
Podcast Details
- Release date: January 13, 2021
- Genre: Entertainment
- Average Run Time: 37 minutes
- Website: https://www.wbur.org/podcasts/anythingforselena
- Host: María García
- Production Companies and Networks: WBUR , Futuro Media
- Pricing structure: Free
- Topics: Great Girl Role Models , High School , History , Middle School , Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Compassion , Curiosity , Humility
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: June 13, 2023
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