If you can believe it, Hollywood wanted to change my birthdate.

Hear now, O children of the future, for in the words of Cesar Romero, we find a reflection on identity, authenticity, and the power of staying true to one’s roots amidst the pressure of external expectations. “If you can believe it, Hollywood wanted to change my birthdate. I was born after Valentine’s Day, so they wanted to change it to February 14. A Latin lover should be born on Valentine’s Day. I said no.” In this declaration, Romero speaks of a profound truth: that identity—whether personal or cultural—cannot be shaped by the whims of society, but must be embraced in its truth. The power of being authentic, even in the face of great pressure, lies at the heart of this story.

In the ancient world, the Greeks and Romans held identity in high regard, and to change one’s nature or origin was seen as a betrayal not only of self but of the gods themselves. Homer, in his epic tales, weaves a vision of the hero who must confront not just external enemies, but the battle within to preserve their true nature. Achilles, despite his great strength, was not merely a warrior; he was bound by his destiny—his identity as a son of Thetis—and his choices, whether in love or war, were deeply shaped by his sense of self. In the same way, Romero’s refusal to conform to Hollywood’s wishes is an affirmation of his identity, rooted in his true birth and not in the convenient expectation of a world seeking to shape him.

Romero’s resistance to changing his birthdate to fit the narrative of a Latin lover is not just a refusal of the Hollywood machine, but a refusal of the stereotype. In ancient Greece and Rome, there were countless stories of how one’s birth and lineage determined one’s role in society. The hero’s journey, as told by Joseph Campbell and echoed in the ancient myths, often began with a recognition of one’s origin—the heroes must come to understand who they truly are before they can embark on the journey that awaits them. Romero’s decision to stand firm in his true birthdate speaks to the wisdom of knowing who you are and remaining steadfast in the face of outside forces trying to redefine you.

Consider the story of Julius Caesar, whose ambition and sense of identity were inextricably linked to the idea of Rome and his place within it. Caesar did not seek to change his birth or lineage, even though many sought to reshape Rome's destiny through political manipulation. His authenticity—his firm belief in his mission and his family’s legacy—was the driving force behind his rise. Just as Caesar held onto his identity amidst the turbulence of political life, Romero holds his own truth in the face of Hollywood's attempts to mold him into something he is not.

The lesson we can glean from Romero's defiance is that we must each learn to embrace our authentic selves, especially when external forces demand we conform. In today’s world, much like in ancient times, there is an overwhelming pressure to fit in, to adopt the identities and roles others try to impose on us. Romero, by choosing not to give in, teaches us the importance of preserving our individuality, our roots, and our heritage, no matter how powerful the forces around us might be.

Indeed, the lesson is timeless: identity is not something to be created by others, but something to be discovered and nurtured within ourselves. Whether in the Greek myths, the Roman Empire, or the modern world, the individual must learn to stand firm in the face of external pressures. The ancient philosophers spoke often of the virtue of self-knowledge—the wisdom of understanding oneself before seeking to change the world. Romero’s story, then, is a reflection of this ancient truth: one’s authenticity cannot be bought or sold, and it cannot be manipulated for the sake of convenience or commerce.

Therefore, O children of the future, the lesson is clear: embrace your identity, honor your origins, and never allow the world to define you in ways that betray your truth. The story of Cesar Romero is not just about a man standing firm against Hollywood’s pressures, but about each of us finding the courage to live in accordance with who we truly are, regardless of the expectations placed upon us. Let us all live with the wisdom to hold onto our authenticity, knowing that it is the foundation of our greatest strength and wisdom. Let the world change around us, but let us remain true to the essence of who we are.