bluebears post about salsa made me chuckle because it reminded me of a certain ethnic stereotype I often find myself trapped into. As a South American, I lost count of how many ocassions, well intentioned Europeans have attempted to bond with me (in social settings) over their love of salsa. When they find out that I am, not only South American, but Argentinian, they usually add tango to the mix.
I don’t know how many times I’ve been asked about salsa music, tango orchestras and, more importantly, how to dance both genres. Truth? I have no clue. Really. My love of tango begins and ends with Gotan Project (and a couple similar bands that real tango purists loath). My knowledge of salsa is probably limited to Gloria Estefan, and only very superficially (I am not even sure if she is considered a salsa musician). Best part? When people assume I must know how to dance salsa or tango. Erm, no. I wouldn’t be able to shake my ass to these rhythms even if my life depended on it.
These people are almost always disappointed when I confess that I actually grew up listening to Joy Division, Depeche Mode or Bauhaus. I don’t even mention that one of my favorite bands, as a teen, was Einstürzende Neubauten. It would probably break their hearts. Otherwise, what would happen to the hot latin stereotype everyone loves?
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