Opinion: Cultural appropriation isn’t hermoso, Benny Blanco
As a Latina born in LA to two immigrant parents, I have grown up seeing my culture everywhere, but I have also grown up seeing other people take pieces of it and make it their own. I have seen Latine music, clothing, slang, food and traditions become popular after people outside of the culture “discover” them.
Because of that, when I heard that Benny Blanco, whose real name is Benjamin Joseph Levin and who is practically fully white, made a Spanish-language album called “Hermoso”, I was intrigued but skeptical. Then I saw the album cover; speechless is the only word to describe my reaction.
Blanco has said that he has always loved Latin and Spanish music, and “Hermoso” is his way of expressing that love. The album includes collaborations with Becky G, Selena Gomez, Myke Towers, Mora, The Marías, Bb trickz, Ovy On The Drums and Netón Vega. I appreciate that he is collaborating with Latine artists instead of completely creating this music by himself. However, I still found myself asking: Why does this specific album make me feel uncomfortable? When it comes to the album cover, many speculate it’s meant to poke fun at the things people on social media say about Blanco’s appearance. I understand that people have been extremely rude about the way he looks, and I can understand wanting to beat people to the punch or play along. Even so, I couldn’t fathom why he thought this mask should be featured on this album. What does that have to do with “Hermoso” and appreciating our music and culture? If this album is supposed to represent his love for Latin music, why not have a cover that actually connects to that idea?
Then there is the music video for “Te Olvido (La La)”. I wouldn’t say I was amazed, but I wasn’t entirely put off. I understand why they would film in Los Callejones. The low riders, the setting and the overall aesthetic clearly connect to Mexican and Latino culture. Though it made it seem like he went through a list of the most Latin stereotypes he could fit in one video and said yes to all of them. Then there’s Selena Gomez’s outfit; it makes sense for the video and matches Becky G’s, but it made me question something else: Is it okay for her to “finally” accept her culture and speak out about it, or is this another “mi gente Latino” moment? These details can feel like they are being used to communicate “Latin” to an audience rather than showing the actual culture behind it.
I don’t think “Hermoso” is automatically wrong because Benny Blanco made it. Culture should be shared, and collaboration can be beautiful. But as a Latina, I think it is fair to question who gets celebrated when they enter our culture and why.
To me, loving Latine culture should mean more than using its music, clothes, cars and neighborhoods as an aesthetic. It should also mean understanding, respecting and recognizing the people who have carried that culture long before it became “trendy.”
Photo courtesy of Benny Blanco’s official website
