Searching for true Latino representation
Even in these politically correct times, the representation of Latino and Hispanic people in the media remains something that should not earn applause. As a bilingual Mexican-American, I have yet to find a television show that contains a character that represents me or even contains a character with any similar physical characteristics. Latinos seem to be grouped into five main archetypes: the Mexican-Latin American princess (known to some as MAP or LAP), the cholo (the thug), the Latin lover, the maid, and the mean girl or bastard, depending on whether we are talking about a woman or a man. Even though more and more television shows and movies today seem to feature some lead character portrayed by a Latino person, we are still restricted by these stereotypes.
Depicting Latinos in the media like this is offensive, distasteful and can lead some people to believe that anyone who isn’t exactly like one of the archetypes portrayed in television “to not be Latino enough.” Sometimes the Latino community is fortunate to have a character that we like, approve of and is an accurate or even semi-accurate portrayal, but even then, sometimes we are faced with another issue: that of light-skinned Latinos holding the majority of Latino portrayal in the media. Actresses Karla Souza of How to Get Away with Murder and Camila Mendes in Riverdale come to mind.
Both of these characters have a shady side, but overall they are solid portrayals of Latinas. Being light skinned and Latino may be considered an acceptable privilege on both sides — in the U.S., because you don’t look Latino, and on the Latino side, because this is viewed as “mejorando la raza” (bettering the race). Even in Mexico and other Latino countries, many TV and movie stars are light skinned, with Kate del Castillo and Salma Hayek serving as prime examples of this. This was an issue with African-American actors, too, at one point, with the notion that being light skinned meant they would more likely be accepted by white audiences.
While things may be getting better for Latinos today, we still have a long way to go, both in our own countries and in America. It’s still a challenge for us to find good roles in film and television projects. A 2016 Media, Diversity and Social Change Initiative at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism study found that Latinos have among the least represented speaking roles in film and television, even though they make up close to 17.5 percent of America’s population. Maybe if we keep speaking out, we can make a difference.
Diego Guerrero is a senior at Los Alamos High School. Contact him at diego.guerrero@studentlaschools.net.