And we all better learn Spanish
That was pretty much what the whole evening was like. Songs in Spanish, and hosts speaking English with Spanish added for effect. PBS replayed the "Fiesta Latina" that was hosted by the White House a few days ago in a special this evening.
Jennifer Lopez came out in a strange truncated dress to present her husband Mark Anthony. She talked in English, but added a few words in Spanish (with her Bronx Spanish accent), while Anthony sang in Spanish. Gloria Estefan sang "Mi Tierra," the song made famous when it was sent into space for the (Mexican) American crew member on the Discovery Shuttle. George Lopez made his customary jokes, which often deride his own ethnic group - the Mexicans. Obama danced with a gracious Latina star and Michelle was ungraciously miffed. Sotomayor was told she was loved, but no-one asked her to dance. And all this on PBS.
I watched the hour-long show to get a sense of this Hispanic presence in America. It is very large, and very deep. It really is a completely separate society. It was rather frightening.
If music and fiestas are the hallmark of Hispanics, then we're in for difficult times. I don't foresee any Frank Sinatras coming out of this group of Latino pop stars. But even Sinatra always sang in English, unlike the Bronx-born Anthony who, like his eccentric wife, would have us believe that he was born and raised in Puerto Rico. I bet Sinatra never gloated over his Italian roots, and if he did, he worked out a silent and dignified way to do it. Not so this group.
