I cannot really claim extensive knowledge on the use of “chicano” I just left it like that because Ms. Torres had used it and it implied the difference stated by Mags. Furthermore, I do not feel Ms. Torres used it offensively. I believe that the term in origins refers more to those of Mexican roots born in Chicago, as they were more etnically ‘outsiders’ to their place of birth and residence, than those born and living in the Southern border states (CA, TX, etc.) but I am not so sure. Perhaps some years ago, the term was considered politically incorrect, but now it might have evolved, I hope Mr. Alfaro, if he reappears again over here, could clarify for us the term.

As for Ms. Barraza taking the equivalent of Mrs. Dashwood, I could not be that sure, in previous news the name of Patricia Bernal has also been mentioned as part of the cast in addition to Ms. Barraza, and I think Mrs. Bernal as the most likely Mrs. Dashwood, besides that could complete the 3 number that Ms. Torres mentions in the interview, that is Ms. Barraza and 2 more Mexican actors. My guess at the moment is that Ms. Barraza would be the great-aunt Aurelia that the summary at the production company site mentions.

From what I understand, the word “Chicano” historically referred to a Californian born of Mexican parents (especially indigenous Mexican parents). I think the term is still used mainly in California. (“Tejanos”, on the other hand, are Texas born children of Mexicans.)

The Odd Lot Entertainment website says that Mary and Nora (the protagonists of Sense and Sensibilidad) are from San Marina, CA, and are forced move to the Boyle Heights neighborhood of LA.
http://www.oddlotentertainment.com/Int/Catalog/FilmLibrary.asp?ProjectID=%7BDEA148A5-3930-4BA3-953F-15285D2D5A66%7D

So, evidently they are Californians of Mexican descent or “Chicanas” -as the newspaper interview mentions in the title and subtitle.

I assume Adriana Barraza will be Mrs. Dashwood. The project sounds interesting, let’s hope the hollywood producers Fina Torres alludes to in the interview won’t take over control of the production. Otherwise we’ll probably end up with Penélope Cruz and Salma Hayek in the roles of Elinor and Marianne. Just kidding.

Totally unrelated useless trivia of the day: His grumpyness Colin Firth celebrates his 48th birthday today. Here’s to you, mate!

However, if I misapprehended or if it is an offensive term I certainly will change the post! Any word can be offensive when used offensively, though.

This is true of words like “Gringo”. It can be a very offensive word when used along the border. Here, in Los Cabos, it is simply used to identify a person from the USA. (Mexicans also consider themselves “Americans”, so “Americanos” is not used, although the term “Norte-Americanos” is common and includes Canadians.)

My personal feeling is that it is better to avoid using these potentially offensive terms.

I’m curious.