Jennifer's Body Post #7

One of the most evident features of Jennifer Lopez’s celebrity as described in the readings, is her mild form of ethnictity, and the exaggerated response of white and mainstream audiences to this hint of “otherness.” Frances Negron-Muntaner also points out the fact that wile Latinos are treated as a homogenous group by Hollywood and consumers, “Latinos” themselves are well-aware of the stark division between different ethnicities and nationalities. In other words, within this group there are obvious divisions between Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, etc. However, should Cubans only be allowed to play or represent other Cubans, there would be very few roles available. Part of why Jennifer Lopez was able to achieve such success is because of her ability to cross ethnic divides, not only representing non-Puerto Rican Latinos, but also playing other ethnicities. It is her ambiguity and ability to straddle the line between mainstream American and minority that makes her successful, though as is expressed by Abraham in the movie, Selena, “Abraham: "We've gotta be more Mexican than the Mexicans and more American than the Americans both at the same time. It's exhausting!”

Sadly, as Erin Aubrey observes in her piece on Jennifer Lopez’s over-hyped behind, often what is publicized to be a great leap for Hollywood, is but a small step for minorities. Aubrey observed that while she had heard ravings about Jennifer Lopez’s butt, when she saw it herself, it hardly left an impression. While by Hollywood standards it is surely outrageous, by everyday standards, it is unremarkable. Thus, Jennifer Lopez’s body is more remarkable for the way it illuminates the staunch requirements that we as an audience demand of those on-screen, an altogether baffling fact as we as a country are grossly over-weight and under-exercised, than for its innate splendor. Through Jennifer Lopez we are forced to face the fact that other types are only acceptable if they are wrapped in recognizable packages of light skin. Lopez is able to be sexualized as a way to embrace minorities, while still keeping them at a distance, outside the realm of more proper white women.

1) What restrictions are placed on male minority celebrities? Are they sexualized in the same way women are?

2) In a society plagued by obesity, why do we continue to have such an unattainable standard of beauty in Hollywood?

3) How has Jennifer Lopez transformed herself physically to fit into the standard mold of beauty, and does conforming to these standards lessen her impact as a “Latina” actress, if in fact her minority status is represented primarily through her physical appearance?