As I was flipping through the most recent edition of Ms. Magazine, this photo caught my eye. And all of a sudden, to my surprise, I found myself feeling a little choked up.
This made me pause. What is it about this image that gets me all felklempt?
This is a still photo from “Ugly Betty,” a new TV show about a young Mexican American woman, played by America Ferrera, trying to make her way in the white woman’s world of fashion mags. And if being Hispanic wasn’t enough of a strike against her, she’s “ugly,” too. Executive Producer Salma Hayek also guest stars on a few episodes, in which her character “makes a lasting impression” on Betty. And by the looks of this photo, it’s probably a positive one.
I suspect therein lies the key to my unexpected feklemptitude.
Salma inclines her head to America as they look at each other in a mirror. Her arm is draped comfortingly, maybe even a little protectively, around America’s shoulder. I don’t know what they are supposed to be talking about, but I don’t need to – to me, their postures say it all.
Perhaps women are tired of being portrayed as either power-hungry cat-fighting bitches, WASPy Barbie-doll bimbos, or goody-two-shoes victims. Maybe someone’s figured out that we want to see stories in which women support, look out for, and mentor one another. Perhaps folks are seeing through the tired old stereotypes that turn into self-fulfilling prophecies and asking for something a little more real.
Sure seems to be the case, judging by the ratings success so far of “Ugly Betty.”
She is a friend of mind. She gather me, man. The pieces I am, she gather them and give them back to me in all the right order. It’s good, you know, when you got a woman who is a friend of your mind.
– Toni Morrison
Where’s my hankie?
[tags]Ugly Betty, America Ferrera, Salma Hayek, Toni Morrison, Ms. Magazine[/tags]
Salma Hayek is a woman to watch. When she played Frida Kahlo, her makeup included a “unibrow” which was a notable feature of Kahlo. She is unafraid to appear less than attractive, she is a formidable actress, she is also an activist for causes that interest her. Hayek is the executive producer of Ugly Betty.I am a fan.
Salma Hayek is one of the stars of my favorite movie (one of them, anyway), Once Upon a Time in Mexico, which also stars Antonio Banderas, Johnny Depp, Willem Dafoe, Enrique Iglesias, and Ruben Blades. Get the popcorn!
I agree with Jo; Salma is the real deal.
I love Ugly Betty, and I LOVE that America won a Golden Globe- looking smashing, all the while. She is such a bright spot in the sea of endless skinny, blonde, plasticky stars out there.
Jo & Lachlan – Woot!
While this episode showed a supportive Salma to America, the exec-goblins ultimately won – putting Salma in the position of man-eating business woman and stabbing Ugly Betty in the back.
I realize they were wanting Salma to bring in viewers and have her on the show temporarily, but I think they could have made her exit a little less ‘hollywood’.
Amaya – wow, that sucks. I am disappointed… and I guess surprised that Salma would have gone for that. But then, you never know what those Hollywood contract rats have up their slimy snouts, do you…