In a recent episode of the talk show, David Letterman had the pleasure of interviewing the talented Rosie Perez. The conversation covered a wide array of topics, including Puerto Rico, the documentary film she is promoting at the Tribeca Film Festival, and the complex history of the island.
Perez began by discussing the meaning behind the title of her documentary, “Yoso Boricua.” She explained that Boricua was the name given to the native inhabitants of Puerto Rico before the Spanish invaded and committed genocide. Today, anyone born on the island or with direct ties to it is referred to as Boricua.
The conversation then delved into the history of Puerto Rico’s colonization and its relationship with the United States. Perez shared that Puerto Rico became a commonwealth after the United States came to “liberate” the island from Spanish rule. However, she emphasized that Puerto Rico is still waiting for true liberation and autonomy.
The documentary also explores the political history between Puerto Rico and both Spain and the United States. Perez shed light on various troubling aspects, such as the Department of Eugenics in the United States, which promoted the sterilization of Puerto Rican women. Shockingly, an estimated 20 million Puerto Rican women became sterilized as a result of this policy.
Perez further discussed Operation Bootstrap, a United States policy that aimed to encourage big businesses to move to Puerto Rico while simultaneously enticing Puerto Ricans to leave the island. This policy had a significant impact on the island’s population, as many Puerto Ricans migrated to the United States, especially to New York.
Throughout the interview, Perez expressed her love for America, despite the challenges faced by Puerto Ricans throughout history. She emphasized that the documentary is not solely focused on depressing historical facts but also includes humorous and personal moments. Her cousin Sixto and sister Carmen make appearances in the film, adding some lightheartedness to the overall narrative.
David Letterman also inquired about Puerto Rico’s political status. Perez explained that Puerto Rico is officially a territory of the United States but does not have voting rights for the United States president. Additionally, Puerto Rico has representatives in the House and Senate.
Despite Puerto Rico’s challenging financial situation, Perez highlighted the resilience and pride of the people. She mentioned that there is an ongoing debate about statehood versus independence, and the majority vote in a recent survey was “none of the above.” This indicates that many Puerto Ricans are dissatisfied with the current options being presented to them regarding the island’s status.
To conclude the interview, a clip from the documentary was shown. It depicted Perez returning to her hometown of Bushwick, Brooklyn, and going shopping with her sister at a Puerto Rican market. This scene highlighted the importance of Puerto Rican culture and the deep connection Perez has with her roots.
Overall, Rosie Perez‘s interview with David Letterman provided fascinating insights into the history and culture of Puerto Rico. Her documentary, “Yoso Boricua,” promises to educate viewers while also entertaining them. With her unique perspective and personal experiences, Perez aims to shed light on the often overlooked struggles and triumphs of Puerto Rico and its people.
