In 2018, Mexican actress Yalitza Aparicio achieved international fame with her debut in the film Roma, directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Her interpretation of Cleo led her to become a benchmark for indigenous representation in world cinema. However, the recognition was also accompanied by a wave of racist, classist and misogynist comments that marked her rise in the industry.
That same year, Aparicio made headlines not only for being an indigenous woman who made an unexpected leap into acting, but also for the multiple nominations she received for her performance.
These include the Ariel Awards, the Critics Choice Awards, the Hollywood Film Awards -where she won in the New Actress category-, the Gotham Awards and, of course, the Oscar Awards, where her nomination for Best Actress consolidated her as a historical figure.
After her film success, Yalitza began appearing on the covers of prestigious magazines, many of them focused on international fashion.
It was in this context where part of the controversy arose, since the actress posed wearing luxury clothes and exclusive brands, which provoked a negative reaction from certain sectors.
Criticism was not limited to her artistic work, but turned into expressions of racism and classism, questioning her right to occupy spaces traditionally reserved for white and privileged people within the entertainment and fashion industry.
Yalitza Aparicio and the racism she has experienced
Hours before speaking out on the issue, Yalitza shared on her Instagram account an excerpt from the podcast Tecito de Calzón.
In this space, creators Mariana Calva and Dama G analyzed the phenomenon surrounding the actress’ career, highlighting how her artistic success became an act of symbolic violence by society, but also an exercise of resistance and pride on her own part.
The actress, originally from Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, publicly thanked the podcast hosts for the approach they took to her case.
One of the most commented points in the analysis was the questioning of Yalitza for wearing clothes from renowned designers instead of traditional Oaxacan attire.
In this regard, the actress was clear in pointing out that she has the same right as anyone else to wear luxury garments, just as others can wear handmade textiles made in indigenous communities.
“Ah! … and I always remind myself that I can also wear designer clothes, just as others can wear textiles from the beautiful indigenous communities which I also love to wear in my day to day life, and not just for a photo,” she said.
With these words, Aparicio defended both the diversity of their cultural identity and their freedom of personal choice, rejecting stereotypes that seek to limit it.
Finally, Yalitza gave a strong message regarding the value of handcrafted textiles. She reminded that anyone can wear them, but emphasized the importance of respecting the work of the communities that make them.
“PS: DON’T FORGET TO PAY THE FAIR PRICE AND NO GOUGHTS,” he concluded.
With this pronouncement, the actress not only closed the debate about the way she dresses, but also reaffirmed her commitment to the defense of the dignity and recognition of indigenous communities.
Here is a video that Yalitza Aparicio shared about the situation.
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