In my recent Race, Gender and the Media course, we watched a video over how latinos are portrayed in the media. Not only have latino's been in the media as long as there has been film, they've also had to deal with different stereotypes.
In an article I had to read for my Culture, Rhetoric and Ideology class, I discovered that there are six latino stereotypes in the media: they are considered to be el bandido, the volatile tough homeboy, and the sinister and wealthy drug lord, along with the male buffoon and the latin lover. Latina's also fit into different stereotypes: the harlot, the female clown, and the dark lady.
Although latino's and latina's have been in the media as long as caucasians, they have had to endure more problems to get to the Bronze screen. They've had to work the graveyard shifts for centuries. Sadly, some latino's can perform better and look better on screen than do some Caucasian actors.
Unfortunately, because of American's standards set towards hispanic's and latinos, they do not get the respect that they deserve. I believe that they should be able to perform whenever and however they like, without the stereotypes. Again, unfortunately, I do not see this happening anytime soon.
