In recent years, Hollywood has been more relentless in walking the road of inclusivity in terms of color, gender, and so much more, which is a refreshing change.
This is a gentle reminder for those old enough to remember the original West Side Story, as well as everyone else who discovered and fell in love with this gem of a Romeo and Juliet-inspired musical. The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards the year it was released.
It was successful in securing ten of them. The year 1961 marked the first time a Latina woman won an Academy Award. Rita Moreno made history as Anita, Maria’s brother Bernardo’s lover. Maria and Tony, played by Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer, are star-crossed lovers. Maria was not performed by a Hispanic actor, despite the fact that she was meant to be of Puerto Rican heritage.
Let’s fast forward to the year 2021. Rachel Zegler, whose grandmother immigrated to the United States to give birth to her mother, will play Maria, marking a step forward in the representation of Latinx ethnicity and a reflection of honesty in narrative.
In ‘West Side Story,’ Rachel Zegler plays Maria, a Latina who represents her ethnicity.
Ethnicity, Roots, and Representation: Rachel Zegler
When the marketing for Steven Spielberg’s remake of the Hollywood classic began, Zegler was frequently asked a question that required a response that included the words “Latino” and “representation.” When asked if the reboot addressed the issue that Maria, a Puerto Rican, was famously played by Natalie Wood, who was not of Hispanic ancestry, Zegler said yes.
From her vantage point, Zegler discussed how important authenticity was in recreating West Side Story. Authenticity in Latin identity comes in a variety of “shapes, sizes, and colors” at the same time. In this film, we have so many people from all walks of life who are portrayed, whether they were born and reared in Puerto Rico or Cuba, or whether their parents were born here, as I was.
Zegler stepped back to discuss her own heritage and roots. Her parents were born in the United States, but her grandmother was not. She made a point of emphasizing that Latinx people are linked to their heritage through a variety of channels.
“There are so many various ways to be Latinx, and so many versions that we don’t talk about in mainstream media,” she noted.
Rachel Zegler on the Diversity of Latinos
In a separate interview with USA Today, Zegler stated that she was a strong supporter of the idea that there is no “one way to be a Latina.”
“I appreciate that we have so many diverse looks and come from so many different countries,” she said.
She drove home her argument by explaining that while there were multiple ways to identify with one’s Latin ethnicity, accurately reflecting the Latinx people onscreen was critical.
“Seeing themselves onscreen and knowing that they, too, can dance and express their Latin delight is very crucial for the future generation,” she added passionately. Despite the serious aspect of the story, she sought to mix humorous moments in the narration because she wanted to transmit Latin joy.
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