In a recent interview published on the YouTube channel of journalist Jorge Ramos, the iconic singer Gloria Estefan stated that, despite having experienced tough times of racial segregation in her youth, she has never seen the United States as polarized as it is today.
"In the 65 years I've been here, I witnessed segregation, the horrors that African Americans experienced during a time when they tried to stand tall with Martin Luther King. I was just a child, but I saw it all... And I haven't seen anything like this," Estefan stated, visibly concerned about the current situation facing immigrant communities.
The artist, exiled from Cuba, spoke about the fear generated by the climate of tension in the country that welcomed her, especially due to the immigration policy of the Donald Trump administration, which targets and deports individuals who entered the United States, even through legal channels.
"It frightens me when the divisions of government are ignored... when a law is passed and not enforced," the singer noted, alluding to what she perceives as an erosion of the democratic balance between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
During the interview, Gloria Estefan also reflected on the fragility of freedom and the need to constantly defend it.
"Remember that I come from Cuba (...) People in the United States do not realize how fragile freedom is," she warned, while expressing her hope to be wrong about the direction the nation is taking.
The conversation was part of episode 20 of the program "This is how I see things," where they also discussed topics such as the release of their new album Raíces, the importance of singing in Spanish in the U.S., and personal memories about the Cuban exile, the Vietnam War, and her life alongside Emilio Estefan.
The full interview can be viewed on Jorge Ramos’s YouTube channel, which has over 180,000 subscribers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Current Political Affairs in the United States and Gloria Estefan
Why is Gloria Estefan concerned about polarization in the United States?
Gloria Estefan has expressed her concern because she has never seen the United States so polarized as it is now, comparing the current situation to the moments of racial segregation she experienced in her youth. She believes that the erosion of democratic balance and current immigration policies contribute to this division.
What is Gloria Estefan's opinion on the immigration policy in the U.S.?
Gloria Estefan criticizes the immigration policy promoted by the Donald Trump administration for targeting and deporting immigrants, even those who entered through legal avenues. She points out that these practices reflect a loss of humanity and an inadequate treatment of immigrants in the United States.
What message does Gloria Estefan want to convey with her album "Raíces"?
Gloria Estefan seeks to send a positive message with her album "Raíces," emphasizing love, connection, and pride in Latino identity. In a concerning political context, the album aims to be an artistic response to social disconnection, highlighting the importance of roots and culture.
What has been Gloria Estefan's career in music and her impact on the Latino community?
Gloria Estefan has had a 50-year career in music, celebrated for her energy and Latin flavor. She has sold over 100 million records and won seven GRAMMY awards, becoming an iconic figure who has opened doors for generations of Latin artists and remains relevant in the music industry.
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