Salma Hayek at Brave New Films

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

2008-10-22T03:29:59Z

First, before you read any further, go watch the trailer for Disney's movie, Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Then, come back so we can talk about it.

You like that? Hmmm?

At a time when writers and producers of material about human Latinos face unprecedented resistance to our material, Hollywood had absolutely no problem green-lighting "Beverly Hills Chihuahua." It will be released in September, which is (coincidentally? methinks not) Hispanic History Month in the United States. Note: The brown male dog hooks up with the whitest female dog ever, and asks, slyly, "Jealous?" Also note, he is "50 percent warrior, 50 percent lover."

Nah, no stereotypes there.

At a time when new information about the incredible complexity of ancient Mayan civilization, writing, language and mathematics is being uncovered, at a time of unprecedented attacks upon those of Mexican descent in this country, at a time when history books are finally starting to admit that many tens of millions more indigenous people were killed in the Americas than previously admitted - this, THIS is what we get from our film industry.

A film industry with a long history of very cozy relationships with government propagandists.

If I hadn't sat in so many meetings where studio execs made comments that would make Jim Crow laws seem enlightened, I wouldn't believe it. But believe it I do. George Lopez and Salma Hayek on board to voice the characters.

Thoughts?

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Cause Celeb: Salma Hayek - Advocate Against Domestic Abuse

2008-10-15T21:30:43Z

"Sometimes you find a cause, and sometimes the cause finds you" - Salma Hayek

I was perusing the gossip blogs, as I do in my down time here at work, and I saw this photograph of Salma Hayek. I was briefly annoyed, she had her adorable little bundle of joy – Valentina like 2 months ago – and now she's out looking gorgeous, tearing up the red carpet, posing for the paparazzi... I mean I've never given birth before, but I can't even pull it together like that after a vigorous walk, you know? But Hayek, who is known internationally for her acting, being gorgeous and as executive producer of ABC's quirky comedy UGLY BETTY, won my admiration when I read an article about her in Marie Claire magazine in back in 2002. (Yes I read Marie Claire in 2002, get over it.)

In 2004, Salma testified the following before the United States Senate:

"…I learned that a friend of mine was being beaten by her husband. Though I tried, I was not able to convince her to leave her husband – even though I knew, and she knew, what kind of damage domestic violence was causing her. At the time, I considered that a personal failure.
I was completely outraged – that women could endure such pain. I could not help my friend, but I decided I could help others. I visited domestic violence shelters and listened to the stories of other battered women. I saw the impact that domestic violence had on their children. I began to see why it was so hard for them to leave. So, in 2004, I joined the Avon Foundation in their campaign, Speak Out Against Domestic Violence.

WWJD Salma Hayek or Britney Spears?

2008-10-16T09:31:10Z

The Absolute Truth: Hosted by Cenk Uyugr and Jill Pike. Jill asks Jesus if he would take advantage of a pregnant star. Watch live 12pm ET on www.theyoungturks.com

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