She was an important reference that at the time began to talk about feminism, without saying: ‘I am a feminist’. She also talked about the human being, the connection between the mystical and individuals, what is now seen with mindfulness and coaching. She already talked about this 20 years ago, she has always been ahead of her time.
Ebelin Ortiz as a child together with Victoria Santa Cruz. Photo: press/Ebelin Ortiz
– Do you consider that Afro-Peruvian culture is not given the value it deserves?
Obviously, we forget that the country is made up of the Amazonians, the Andeans, the coastal people and the Africans. Our country is rich because of the cultures it has. They have all made the country have the cultural richness that it now has.
– In that sense, what do you hope to achieve with this tribute?
Where my speech is going is to revalue ourselves and understand who we are in order to understand where we are going. Victoria (Santa Cruz) said in an interview: ‘I already know who I am and no one can insult me’. For example, I have Afro features, bulging eyes, curly hair, but if I am made aware of that from the beginning of my life, there will be no word that can attack me. What would the insult be? I want you to learn to value our be upright so that no one in life insults us so that aggressive words do not affect us.
– Although we are in 2022 , you can see racism on tv , in social networks and even in humor
That type of humor minimizes this vulnerable population and some comedians, drivers, have become aware; others don’t. But not only classism, sexism is also seen. Humor is closely linked to ridicule, mockery of vulnerable groups, basically. We have characters like ‘Paisana Jacinta’, ‘Black Mama’ or how women are sexualized in programs.
Of course it should be changed, but we realize that a sanction to the program is not enough. JB’s program has been sanctioned countless times, but they do not evolve in terms of content. We can’t possibly keep up with the humor of the ’60s.
Ebelin Ortiz. Photo: press/Ebelin Ortiz
YOU CAN SEE: Ebelin Ortiz underwent a hysterectomy, surgery to remove the uterus
Ebelin Ortiz and the role of actors in politics
Ebelin Ortiz is one of the most active national figures on social networks like Twitter. Many have criticized the fact that artists speak out about the political and social current affairs of Peru. However, the actress has defended her right to give her opinion and asked that politics be seen as a priority for all Peruvians.
– Victoria Santa Cruz was also an activist and left a legacy of social and political struggle. Do you think that artists should be more active in these issues?
When I was a girl I thought not and I didn’t understand some things about politics. Now I understand that not only artists should be involved, we should all be involved in politics and, in reality, most of us do. When we request a clean space, when we enforce our eight hours of work, that’s how we make politics. We all do politics from our place. Another thing is to have a partisan life and yes we should belong to one, I think so. The only way to improve our politics is by doing politics.
– Don’t you think you gain antipathy on social networks? Many say: “Shoemaker to your shoes”
But which would be the cobbler and which would be the shoe? I think it is a mistake to say that, because I am the cobbler of my own shoe.
Ebelin Ortiz is a renowned Peruvian actress. Photo: file/GLR
