Single Story: Hispanics are sexy, poor, addicted to tacos, and illegal citizens
Utah is white. Almost painfully white. Yet as the years go by, we slowly become more and more diverse. Growing up, I never really noticed the lack of diversity. Yet after returning from a Spanish speaking mission in Houston Texas, I realized that there really are a tons of Hispanics in Utah and that they are most of the time misunderstood!
First of all, hispanics are usually all put in one category - if you speak spanish, you must be Mexican. SO wrong! Each country has their own culture, preferences, and history. While on my mission, it blew my mind that not all countries like salsa and spicy food - that's really only Mexico. And burritos? They don't even really eat those! It's an American thing! In our society today, especially in a place so un-diverse as Utah, Hispanics are generally categorized as sexy like Jennifer Lopez or Enrique Iglesias, poor and humble, and addicted to tacos (which I don't know why they wouldn't be, but let's not generalize), and illegal citizens in the US.
Video: The Proposal Ending Credits (with Ramon)
In the movie The Proposal, Ramon is a hispanic character who is love crazy, has a huge accent, and is not very bright. In fact in the end credits, as shown here, there is even humor about Ramon not being a legal citizen.
Video: Key and Peele "Pizza Order"
Another shot at stereotypical hispanics - crazy for love, thick accent, and a low income job.
Video: McFarland USA Trailer
The movie McFarland USA takes a closer look into the lives of high school cross country team for a small town in California. Although very inspirational, it also highlights the stereotypes we've mentioned - poor families, thick accent, doesn't really belong.
Articles:
Cosmo: 16 Stereotypes of Latinas That Need to Stop
http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/advice/a5403/latina-media-stereotypes/
CNN: Does Hollywood have a Latino Problem?
http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/17/showbiz/latino-stereotypes/
Huffington Post: Dear Mr. Trump, My Father is One of the People Mexico "Sent"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/laura-arroyo/dear-mr-trump-my-father-is-one-of-the-people-mexico-sent_b_7616158.html
These articles continue to speak out about the stereotypes given to Hispanics and why they are damaging. The way that Hispanics are portrayed in media are as damaging to them as they are to society. In the article "Dear Mr Trump.." Laura Arroyo combats this stereotype given by Donald Trump when he claimed that "when Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best." Arroyo speaks out about how false this statement is and about the struggle and hard work that immigrants perform in order to come into the United States."You may not understand it, but it's about bravery. It's about hard work. It's about loving your family so much that you are willing to die to give them the best chance at life. Are you? And if you moved to another country and had to start your life over completely, would you have success? Are you brave enough to do it, without knowing if you would succeed?" Well said, Laura.
In the article "Does Hollywood have a Latino Problem?" actor Esai Morales speaks out about the damage that these stereotypes do to his career. He talks about the lack of Hispanic heroes or stars in many Hollywood films. "I dont want to be the 'spice' added to a show, I'm not a condiment!" He cries.
His claim of the lack of Hispanic heroes may be true - take a look at Disney Princesses. Although almost all minority groups are represented - Chinese, African American, Arabian, and American Indian, there is still no representation of the Hispanic culture, although rumors say this is to change in the near future. We're waiting Disney!
In conclusion, the manner in which hispanics are portrayed in the media is damaging. It is not completely accurate nor is it redeeming or inspiring. Yes they have a different culture and they are different from us. But they are still the same in many areas and deserve to be seen as more than the stereotype. As we stop single storying them, we stop limiting them and start gaining the full influence and ideas and benefits they, and all other minority groups, have to offer.
This is super interesting. As a latina I feel stereotyped under some of these stories sometimes. Something that is interesting too is that most people associated Hispanic with Mexican. I am from Colombia and the two could not have different cultures--yet I am always asked about tacos and mariachi bands.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree. Such a prevalent stereotype that isn't true and can be really harmful for all of the good, hardworking Hispanics and Latinas.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great analysis of this single story. Well done.
ReplyDelete