Reflection on Make Way for Latinx in Media
Daniela Arredondo-SanchezÂ
The motivation behind selecting this theme for my project stemmed from a deep consideration of the concept of representation. Even now, articulating a definitive vision of what representation should embody proves challenging, as it requires avoiding the perpetuation of existing stereotypes or the introduction of new ones. My partner and I embarked on an exploration of the diaspora within contemporary shows and films that have begun to feature Latino representation or have offered glimpses of it.
Our initial focus involved delving into and scrutinizing instances of representation that we categorized as “negative” due to their reinforcement and propagation of stereotypes related to Latinos. However, as our research unfolded, we observed how these stereotypes not only negatively portrayed a singular “Latino” identity but also generalized across diverse ethnicities within the community. We came across the depiction of Latinas as “toxica,” characterized by labels implying both “eccentric” and “flirtatious,” involving traits such as controlling tendencies, and, the use of violence for control, partner manipulation, and the normalization of jealousy. While acknowledging the importance of showcasing familial bonds, we noted the restrictive nature of these portrayals when they became the sole lens through which Latino characters were depicted. The prevalent association of Latino characters with criminality, gangster personas, or issues like drug abuse and alcoholism became evident—representations that had permeated my upbringing and shaped my early perceptions of Latino identity.
Subsequently, we sought positive representations, identifying recurring themes such as the exploration of mixed identity exemplified in the Spider-Verse movies, the nuanced portrayal of characters in Wednesday that avoids reducing one’s ethnicity to their entire personality, the presence of a DC Mexican superhero in Blue Beetle, and the significance of having a Latino creator ensuring an authentic depiction of a Mexican family. Witnessing these instances was particularly poignant for me, as I finally saw aspects of my own identity reflected on the big screen. Furthermore, the actor’s acknowledgment of the profound meaning behind his role and the impact he aspires to have on his community added an extra layer of significance to the experience.
Nevertheless, this project has underscored the realization that, despite some progress, there remains a considerable amount of work to be done. It has become apparent that shining a spotlight on other ethnicities is equally crucial, especially given the tendency to generalize all Latinos as Mexican, with Mexican culture often dominating perceptions. As a Mexican myself, I recognize that this not only marginalizes other Latino ethnicities but also contributes to the formation of a limiting and inaccurate overarching idea.Furthermore, our investigation highlighted another critical aspect of representation within the Latino community – the striking absence of queer Latinos in mainstream media, often compounded by stereotypical portrayals that relegate them to comedic roles. This form of representation is exceptionally vital, considering that discussions about queerness are often less prominent within Latino spaces. Initiating conversations on this front can serve as a crucial step toward providing much-needed visibility and support, particularly for young individuals. Overall, this journey into the complexities of Latino representation in media has been profoundly enlightening for me. It has unveiled both the progress we’ve made and the glaring gaps that demand our attention.