GOP Friendly Cubans vs. Staunch Latino Dems

"Very Few Political Candidates Understand "The Latino Vote."

Hollywood’s Esai Morales, Dennis Leoni, Julia Vera, Richard Yñiguez, and Julie Carmen Decipher the Great American Conundrum.

The 2012 Presidential Elections has got the entire nation engaging in debates like I’ve never witnessed before. The current flock of Hollywood Latino celebrities and talent are actively participating “up front and personal” in larger unprecedented numbers. It’s as if the guard is changing and veteran actor/activists like Martin Sheen and Edward James Olmos are no longer alone. Today, more Latino celebrities like Eva Longoria and Jessica Alba have forged to the forefront of the re-election of President Barack Obama’s campaign.

Recently, I asked "activists" (actor/activists) Esai Morales, Julia Vera, Richard Yñiguez and producer/director Dennis Leoni, and actor/yoga guru Julie Carmen if they could explain why Cubans primarily vote GOP and Mexicans and other Latinos tend to favor the Democrats. It turned into one of the most fascinating Facebook conversation panel thread’s I’ve ever participated in. But I’m still not sure the question was fully answered. Maybe it can’t be. Also participating in this was Henry Puente (Assistant Professor of Communications at California State University, Fullerton.) He has extensive entertainment industry experience and is a former film distribution executive.

We reached out to several high profile Cuban influentials to participate but for whatever the reason, they didn’t respond as we had hoped. However, hearing Cuban-American TV personality and former host Cristina Saralegui’s speech at the DNC convention was inspiring and it touched upon the very topic we are discussing here. Cristina’s support for Obama and the Democrats is something she is very proud of and she clearly does not align herself with Cuban elected officials like Senator Marco Rubio and other Florida Cubans who tend to vote Republican. Source: Being Latino

When I Googled the Cuban/Mexican question, the answers were varied and made it impossible to pin down a credible explanation. Most commentary posted is racist and full of misunderstandings of cultural and economic differences. In a recent Fox News Latino article, a distinction was drawn between Senator Marco Rubio and San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro based on their separate nationalities and the politics perceived to originate in those nationalities.

So it is a widely held but misconceived belief that Cuban Americans all come from wealth and vote Republican, and that Mexican Americans all come from poverty and vote Democratic. New Mexico retired Mexican-American educator, Moises Venegas, believes the same:

The Cubans have never been one of us. They didn’t come from Chihuahua or Sonora in Mexico and from poor backgrounds. They came from affluent backgrounds and have a different perspective. The Republican Party also has opened doors just for them.

I’m not sure if this editorial will create a Hollywood storm that permeates through diverse Latino communities or not, but here is our best attempt at shedding light on a question that’s been brewing on many Latino minds. Recently, while watching the GOP convention with my niece, she asked an interesting question, based on the rhetoric she was listening to on TV:

Are Cuban-Americans Latinos?

Everyone said, “Yes, of course, Cubans are Latinos.”

Dennis Leoni:  Their political belief doesn't define who they are ethnically.

Esai Morales:  However, I think Cuban Americans are a unique subset.

Henry Puente:  
I don't think that political ideology should determine whether or not a person is Latino.

Q: Marco Rubio said in an interview during the GOP Convention that most Cubans tended to relate more to the Republican philosophy but that there were a few exceptions. Why, in your opinion, do you think Cubans subscribe more to the Republican philosophy and Mexicans and other Latinos tend to side more with the Democrats?

Esai Morales:  Not easy to answer. With the exception of the Marielito 'boat people,' the early Cuban arrivals exhibit a tremendous sense of self-esteem and gumption in general. In my opinion, the 'boat people' may share the colonized mind-set usually associated with oppressed immigrants and other Latinos. The ones who came here first after the revolution were political refugees. Many were among the captains of industry in Cuba; the "haves" if you will. These Cuban-Americans were and still are from the most educated and or monied families who 'ran things on the island.' This group had a lot more business acumen that accompanied them to their new home. 



Richard Yñiguez:  Being part of a party is ideology, self interest, and in some cases peer pressure. Cuban-Americans are a very committed block of voters and believe that the Republican platform serves them. You can also look within the ranks of the military, the Law enforcement community and can't help but come away scratching your head with the amount of Republican supporters.

Dennis Leoni

Dennis Leoni:  Many just have a conservative perspective because of their history and their hatred of Castro. Most of those forced to flee to the U.S. were the aristocracy and the bourgeois of Cuba, which is also a contributing factor in their political outlook. With money comes conservatism. The irony of this is that Castro is not really a communist. He only aligned himself with Kruschev, who wasn't really a communist, either, to spite Eisenhower and Nixon, who spurned and insulted him. Castro is really a fascist dictator which is on the conservative far right side of the political spectrum. Coming from a working class Mexican family, personally I will never understand why there are conservative Latinos. Republican Latino seems like an oxymoron to me.





Henry Puente:  I don't believe that a Republican Latino is an oxymoron. I also don't believe that a Democrat Cuban is an oxymoron. 
I personally feel that neither party has really done much to win support from Latinos in general. Republicans assume that they will not vote for them, so they incorporate policies that do not benefit Latinos. In contrast, Democrats assume that we will vote for them, so they don't incorporate policies that will benefit Latinos. 
At the end of the day, I always find myself voting for the lesser of two evils.






Q: Party choice is based on historical background... class distinction?

Esai Morales:  Unfortunately, Latin America has a history of corrupt governments that have oppressed their poor to such a point that many risk their lives to come to the U.S. These poorer immigrants don't have the same sense of ownership and industriousness that Cubans left their country with. In the States, as a refugee population, Cubans developed a stronger sense of community ownership and personal identity.

Richard Yniguez

Richard Yñiguez: Yes, there is that class distinction as well and it weighs heavy on upwardly mobile Latinos who feel that's one way to make it in this country. ‘Dime con quien andas y te dire quien eres!’ ‘Tell me who you’re with and I’ll tell you who you are!’ It's obvious that the Republican Party platform offers nothing to the lower and middle classes not to mention the seniors of this country! Their immigration policy is self deportation...are you kidding me? You can't help but hear their rhetoric and realize they say nothing about the issues. They create lies/innuendos that in time makes those in the know question their own knowledge.

Esai Morales: The fact is Cuban immigrants have felt more welcomed and accepted into our society, even if they were penniless when they got here, compared to their agrarian counterparts from the other Latin American countries. With their greater education, self-esteem, and business prowess, Cubans transformed Miami into an internationally renowned Latin American capital in the U.S.


Many are of the opinion that American Cubans haven't gotten over the fact that their side lost the conflict with Castro. Not unlike Southerners who still call the Civil War, "The War of Northern Aggression." 


Q: In the U.S., Cubans are powerful even though they are the smallest percentage of the Latino demographic pie. Why?

Esai Morales:  Cubanos have an impressive ability to organize and mobilize quickly and efficiently around their political and social interests. They are not afraid to voice their opinion. Unlike the progeny of displaced farmers or of those from humble origins who tend to take more systemic abuse--Cubans will let you know how they feel...in no uncertain terms. 
They are a powerful minority w/in the Latino community. Not unlike the Jewish minority which wields considerable power and influence here in the U.S. despite being so few in numbers. Perhaps the two group's cultural cohesion is due to the shared sense of pride and persecution. Outside threats, real or perceived, are not taken lightly in either camp. Their responses are swift and loud. 
Regarding Latins and the GOP it would be wise to note that not all Latino Republicans are Cuban.

Q: Among Latinos, family and moral values are important but even though the GOP is the most conservative in this area, why do the majority of Latino votes go to the Dems?

Esai Morales:  The fact is traditional values that place family first are Latino values. Whether Republican policies actually support families or not; their rhetoric appeals to a growing segment of the loyal, conservative, and independent-minded Americans of Latino descent. 
The fact is that our [Latinos] people often appear to be taken for granted by the Democratic Party. This drives many disillusioned Hispanics towards the self-reliance message of traditional Republican ideals. Think about it, many immigrants come here to start businesses and become citizens because of the political corruption in their home countries. They don't want welfare, they simply want to fare well. 
Too often it seems that liberal minded people only offer a hand out, dependence; not a helping hand up, IN-dependence. Hand outs are offensive when people just want to earn an honest living.

Q: When it comes to undocumented Latinos, they suffer a double standard versus how newly arrived Cuban refugees are thought of... why?

Richard Yñiguez: Also, the Cuban community has a negative view of the undocumented issue that is very much a South Western issue and they can't relate or look the other way.

Q: Who is more organized at attracting Latinos with targeted voter registration drives, the GOP or Dems? Cubans or all other Latinos?

Richard Yñiguez:  [I would ask] what is either party doing to entice our vote or participation in the process? The Cuban community has an intelligent support system in place for the conservative party. They vote which is more than I can say about the rest of us. We need a good voter registration campaign to overcome the GOP's drive to suppress!

Q: It comes as a surprise that most Cuban-Americans are against the DREAM Act. Is it because this legislation mainly benefits Mexicans and other Latin Americans?

Esai Morales:  Obama's recent (temporarily enacted) DREAM Act is a step in the right direction because it gives young immigrants an opportunity to contribute to our society more meaningfully. The timing and lack of permanence however may seem suspect right before the coming election. Almost too little too late and too temporary to gain long-term traction and loyalty for the Democrats. 


Cristina Saralegui

On Immigration, Cristina Saralegu: The difference between Romney and Obama is that one man sees the undocumented as ‘illegal aliens’ while the other sees them as DREAMers.


Q: President Kennedy’s failed Bay of Pigs have anything to do with Cubans leaning more toward GOP?

Esai Morales:  With regards to Cubans specifically and the GOP, ever since the Bay of Pigs invasion there appears to be a close connection between the exile community and the American Intelligence apparatus. In the early sixties those exiles who tried to retake Cuba by force worked closely with the Republican wing of the the CIA. This relationship cemented the Cuban connection to the Republican Party. I think this relationship has helped establish the political preeminence of Cubans and their cause amongst U.S. Latinos.


Richard Yñiguez:  In some cases the Miami Cuban community is still punishing the Democratic party because of the Kennedy fiasco at the Bay of Pigs. On the other hand they are a very committed block of voters and believe that the Republican platform serves them. You can also look within the ranks of the military, the Law enforcement community and can't help but come away scratching your head with the amount of Republican supporters.


Q: It must be incredibly difficult for political non-Latinos to understand the true essence of who their Latino constituency really is.

Esai Morales:  Let's not forget the Latino 'community' is incredibly diverse. Obviously, not all Latinos are immigrants, yet you wouldn't know that by watching the media. There are many fifth, sixth and even seventh generation Americans of Latin descent who don't identify with the general minority status. Some of these families were here long before these states were united. They are fully assimilated; Latino in name only (LINOs)--for example, Cameron Diaz/Charlie Sheen (Estevez), etc... This group is practically invisible as 'Latinos' in the mainstream marketplace of images and ideas they don't necessarily relate as Latinos.

Dennis Leoni:  Like the Stones sing, ‘You can't always get what you want...’ Or should that be everything we want? Do the Dems offer Latinos everything we want? No, but they are much closer than what the Republicans are offering, particularly when it comes to issues like immigration, unions, health, and education. Labor has traditionally been liberal and business (management) has traditionally been conservative. In this country, whether we like it or not, Latinos are predominantly the labor class. On issues like abortion, I get it. We have a lot of Catholics. But unless you're rich, it makes no sense to me to be a Republican. And not that there aren't a lot of racist Dems, but the Republicans have them overwhelmingly beat there, too. I am, of course, speaking in general terms. That's all I'm saying when I say I find it hard to believe that there are conservative Latinos.





Q: I have immigrant friends who became U.S. citizens (Mexicans, Guatemalan, El Salvadoran) who immediately signed up with the Republican party because they saw it as the higher class party. They were tired of being poor and lower class in their countries of origin. What do you think?

Julia Vera

Julia Vera:  I have friends that I grew up with that were from very poor families, but working families, who are now Republicans. I just shake my head at them. Unbelievable. They feel that being Republican raises their status or standing. I don't think so. They will always be looked at with prejudice because they are of Mexican decent. Harsh I know.



 Latinos that speak Spanish, Italian, and French are also Latinos since these languages are rooted in Latin. That is the only reason we are called Latinos.





Dennis Leoni:  That's why a lot of "Latinos" don't want to be called "Latino" because they feel it's a misnomer. To me, Latinos are anyone who is descendant from Spanish speakers from the western hemisphere, predominantly from below el Rio del Norte. I know that excludes the Spaniards, but they are, after all, Spaniards. Okay, maybe we include them, too.





Julia Vera:  Where is El Rio Del Norte? El Rio Grande divides Texas and Mexico. It also sometime back was called El Rio Bravo.





Dennis Leoni:  Not way, way back...



The Mexicans called it that... I believe the Conquistadores called it del Norte.



 I read that somewhere... of course it could be B.S. It appears, Julia, that you are correct and I'm partially correct... El Rio Bravo del Norte is the full name the Mexicans gave to El Rio Grande.





Q: Cubans share a kindred spirit with the GOP for reasons of....

Esai Morales: Similar European heritage, a shared mortal enemy in Castro and a mutual admiration for the entrepreneurial spirit may explain why Cubans identify more with the Anglo frame of mind than their less celebrated Latino brethren.


In conclusion, there is so much more that can be said about Cubans, Latinos, and America, but two thing are for sure. One, Cuban politics in America are a touchy 'third rail' subject. Secondly, I should probably spend less time studying history, worrying about my community--its collective public image and more time acting and making a living....but, oh well.....hope you enjoyed my thoughts. 



Actor/Yoga Guru Julie Carmen

Julie Carmen:  it's all menudo anyway. When my grandpa was born in Cuba his passport said Spaniard because Cuba "belonged' to Spain. So some Cubans came here via Europe and avoided the whole Castro era. 


Esai Morales:  I've also heard Cubans describe themselves as "Spaniards (or their descendants) of the Caribbean."

Like online site Being Latino said, ‘It’s great to see a Cuban-American from the island stand in favor of progressive values. The myth about Florida Cubans being a synch for the Republican Party is just that-- a myth.’

Gloria Estefan was also in attendance at the DNC supporting the president. The tide does seem like it is slowly changing in the area of ideologies for Cuban-Americans.

This is an incredibly delicate topic and Latin Heat thanks all of the participants who shared their thoughts, beliefs and historical knowledge with us. What we do know is that Latinos in the U.S. are more unique and dynamic than any experts or Hispanic reports or stats report.


All Rights Reserved, © 2012, Latin Heat Entertainment / Latinowood
Edited by: Casandra Moreno Lombera

Julia Vera In Her Most Important Role... Ever!

Recast into a role that was intended for Lupe Ontiveros — Julia has been on an emotional whirlwind. 

This summer was to be another busy one for actress Lupe Ontiveros. She had already accepted a role in Director Scott Sanders’ Aztec Warrior (Lionsgate) which was shooting in July in The Big Easy, Louisiana. Meanwhile, another actress, Julia Vera was looking at a calm summer. She didn’t see much work on the horizon… but, there’s a reason for everything.

 Julia and Lupe’s paths crossed many times throughout the years as both actors were usually auditioning for the same roles. Both have a strong comedic spirit but are as different as night and day. Another commonality they shared was that they were both Tejanas (Texans) living in California and working in Hollywood. They were both mothers with a strong belief in family. It was inevitable that, although competitors, they would become good friends. “Mostly we always talked about family,” says Vera. “We exchanged stories and had some good laughs.”

As Aztec Warrior’s production date approached, Sanders and the cast couldn’t wait to begin working on the hilariously fun film. Leading the cast were Luis Guzman (The Mysterious Island), Eugenio Derbez (Mexican comedic superstar), Terry Crews (The Expendables), Nadine Velasquez, and Ontiveros (Desperate Housewives). A week before filming was to begin (according to sources close to the film) Sanders received an unexpected call and without any forewarning, the director was notified that Ontiveros was pulling out. Everyone assumed it was due to a scheduling conflict or that she had gotten a better offer. Only a select few knew that Ontiveros had weeks to live, losing her battle with cancer.

The recasting of Lupe’s part was in full gear and telephone calls and emails were flying back and forth at full speed. There is no shortage of Latina talent but finding the right “mama” was important. She had to be funny. Actress, Julia Vera’s name was mentioned several times and after a few more telephone calls and emails, Vera found herself on a plane heading to New Orleans to fill some pretty big shoes.

As the old show business saying goes, the show must go on. No matter the enormity of setbacks, filmmakers have a duty to ensure their story reaches the big screen.

Vera had no idea that Lupe was dying. “I happily assumed she had moved on to a better offer somewhere else,” she recalled. It wasn’t until after her friend Ontiveros passed away, that Vera realized just how significant and precious her casting in this “mama” role had become.

So just who is Julia Vera? We know she has appeared in numerous hit television shows (The X-Files and Brothers and Sisters), some feature films (Speed and Blow), and countless commercials… we know she’s a skilled actor. The question was, what made her special enough to step into what would have been a custom made role for Ontiveros?

We sat down with Julia recently to talk about all that has been stirring in her heart.

Latin Heat: How did it come about, you being cast in a film that was originally offered to Lupe Ontiveros? 

Julia Vera: I received a call from a producer friend [Ben O'Dell] on the 4th of July asking if I was available to work on a film in Louisiana and would I be able to fly there immediately.

LH: When you first learned the role was being recast from Lupe (who has her own acting DNA) was this a little disconcerting for you? 

 JV: My first thought was that she had probably gotten a better offer. That Lupe! She was not about to solicit pity from anyone. She knew she was sick with since [last December] but she didn’t tell anyone. She was brave. She was strong till her last breath. Even her closest friends didn’t know.

 LH: How did you attack the role without trying to give the director “a classic Lupe”? 

 JV: That thought never occurred to me. I read the script and it was comedic. I knew I had to play it straight. Comedy is suppose to be funny to the audience not to the performer. I have my own physicality. Lupe was a very small woman and I looked like an elephant next to her. I had done some improvisation in Reno 911 and other shows. The director encouraged that kind of performance. Also, playing a mother who loves her children was on par with my reality.

 LH: How does your acting differ from that of Lupe? 

 JV: Lupe was a pioneer. She got her start when things were still pretty difficult for Latino actors. There was a pause from the Ricardo Montalban, Dolores Del Rio, Rita Hayworth, and Rita Moreno eras. It was like starting all over again. El Norte is a classic now. I read all the difficulties that were experienced by the director and producer Gregory Nava. Lupe was so brave to stand up to SAG [Screen Actors Guild] for that film. Me, I came in when things were all set-up. It was easier for me thanks to the hardships endured by actors like Lupe. She was a true actor.

 LH: A little about your background… As a Tejana from Laredo, how did acting come to be your calling?

 JV: In Laredo all the children are exposed to the arts, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, and painting. I usually got cast in all the plays all the way through high school. College was mostly music.

LH: Tell us something about Julia Vera that most of your most of your fans don’t know about you.

JV: That I started my acting career at age 46, after my kids were grown and gone. I am a widow and have five children. My oldest [Pembrooke Andrews, a sound supervisor] has three Emmys and a Golden Reel… I still don’t know what that is. I also have five grandchildren which I consider my reward for raising five children and my most precious reward is my great-granddaughter who is five. She and I have a lot of fun! At the drop of a hat we take off to Disneyland (our favorite place) or to the movies. I also like to give back. I do that by coaching actors and they don’t have to pay me unless they get the job. I also give my paycheck back to those that are producing on a shoestring. Sometimes I have a hard time going out and it takes a lot for me to attend events. I just go by how I feel that day.

 LH: What advice would you give young Latinos trying to break into acting today?

 JV: Study acting. Take a dance class so that you can get in touch with your body and a singing class so that you can expand your lung capacity. Keep taking classes all through your acting career. Technique is important. Various methods like Miesner, Stella Adler, and Lee Strasberg are tried and true. As in all careers, you have to invest time and money.

 LH: If you could sit with Lupe to talk about your recent work experience, what would the conversation be like? Let’s say you’re sitting at some sidewalk cafe in paradise. Give us a sampling of how the imaginary dialogue would go. 

 JV: I believe in God and I believe we all go to heaven. I would probably ask her if she is having fun. She loved having fun. We never talked shop, only about our families. She was a dear friend. But, OK, here is how I imagine it would go:

JULIA 

You didn’t give me much time to prepare for your role. 

I hope you like my version of “mama.” 

 LUPE 

 I didn’t plan to give you anything! 

I fought hard pero… ya saves… 

 JULIA 

Yes, you did! Have you met up with Ricardo? 

LUPE No, but Herve Villechaize, you know 

‘Tatto’… the only other actor shorter than me… 

pues can you believe he’s still ringing a bell? 

Imaginate! Driving me nuts! Next thunderstorm, 

I swear that will be me banging him with his ding dong! 

 JULIA

(Laughs) 

You never disappoint! Everyone misses you for that, 

especially your family. 

 LUPE 

My kids and family mean everything to me. 

I do know how strong they are 

and it was a privilege to raise my beautiful boys. 

And my grandkids… Wow. They are something. 

 JULIA 

Yes! Oh, and speaking of privileges, because you’d 

 had been cast I inherited one mighty fine wardrobe. 

The makeup lady even asked if I wanted false eyelashes! 

Gracias, muter! 

 LUPE 

Pues, only the best for us Latinas! 

 Always demand the best. 

But you know what the best for me is now? 

No more spandex or girdles to wear! 

Demand the best, amiga, you know why? 

 JULIA 

Yes, because we deserve it. 

 LUPE 

Mujer! We earned it! 

At least I’ll never have to play another maid again! 

Dang, but I forced directors to bring out the best maid in me ever! 

Nicholson never knew what hit him! 

 JULIA 

I had a lot of fun on Aztec Warrior.

I couldn’t be you, but I did my best “me”. 

 LUPE 

I would expect nothing less from you. 

Thank you for stepping in. 

 JULIA 

No, gracias a ti… you left your footprint 

for my benefit and for so many others. I will never forget you. 

 LUPE

 No te preocupes, amiga… just keep the laughter alive! 

 With that, a breeze sweeps through us and she is gone.

 –Fin– 

 Aztec Warrior will always be remembered as the last movie that Ontiveros was cast in and had to opt out of. But it will also be a pivotal point in redefining Julia Vera’s own stellar career.

Julia Vera you have a great name and we wish you continued success. Aztec Warrior belongs to both you and Lupe.

 About Aztec Warrior
Co-written by Scott Sanders (Black Dynamite, Thick As Thieves); Don Handfield from an idea by Handfield; and Javier Chapa. Sergio Aguero and James McNamara, executive produced and Chapa also produced. The action story finds its hero (Guzman) up against El Diablo (Derberz). The action story takes place in present day San Antonio, Texas and Mexico. Aztec’ is about the entertaining sport of Mexican wrestling (lucha libre) and not much more is known other than that it’s a comedy. Cast: Luis Guzman (The Mysterious Island), Eugenio Derbez (Mexican superstar), Terry Crews (The Expendables), Nadine Velasquez, and Julia Vera.
(Release date: 2013)

All Rights Reserved, © 2012, Latinowood/Latin Heat

Edited by: Casandra Moreno Lombera
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