Importance of Hispanic Culture in Media

One of the first examples that come to mind when thinking about how Latinos are radicalized in the US, is the hit tv show— George Lopez. For me, someone not in the Latinx community—this was a very early introduction into Latinx culture. Not only did I love this show, but I could relate. Some things are different, but there are quite a few similarities between Latinx and black culture. They have the same amount of prejudice within their own groups, as the next. Colorism exists everywhere, and I think it’s important to note that the cast was very diverse, and really no one in the family looked alike. For those that watched the show as avid as I did— you know the tremendous amounts of ups and downs Carmen went through, throughout the show. Carmen struggled with self-image due to not fitting in at school, and not getting all the attention from boys. Although these are regular teenage emotions, this stemmed from the fact that many times she passed as white, and hung out with really popular girls who fit the blonde hair, blue-eyed stereotype. Often time these girls really mocked her, and tried to get Carmen to succumb to teenage pressures, as well as separate her from her culture.

Subsequently, these pressures caused her to be embarrassed by her family members, specifically her dad and grandma—due to their loud and sarcastic nature, or grandma bennies alcoholism. I say all of this to say, George Lopez has been a controversial figure for some time now, and we even discussed in this class how different comedy was perceived years ago. However, despite what many people feel about him—he chooses to make fun of the many nuances and traditions of Hispanic culture, as a way of shedding light on the things they go through, and although I am not Hispanic, this show allowed me to find comfort and laughter in things i experienced from white peers.

Alternatively, in class, Nikita did a great job at unpacking the different derogatory terms used in Spanish amongst Latinx communities, in reference to each other. Depending on the color of someone’s skin, whether Hispanic or not, and the different terms they have for white or black people. I thought it was quite interesting that the term that referred to black people was used so much that some Hispanics don’t even know the actual word means black insect. It’s interesting to notice the colorism and prejudice within other minorities because black people do it all the time. However, I think it’s important to recognize that the systemic racism and oppression that’s rooted in our country, is what poisons the minds of our people. Usually, people who use these terms, or have a strong dislike towards darker-skinned people of their same race—it’s a way to keep us divided, and when you’re already the minority—this makes it difficult to unify and dismantle the systems set in place. I used to get extremely offended seeing other black people or other people of color throwing shade at their own culture, but once you realize their hatred stems way deeper as self-loathing—it’s hard to be upset or surprised

Lastly, the border crisis has been an issue for years. But, more recently—the lack of action from Biden’s association actually contributes to the perception of all Latinos being criminals, lazy, or being treated like animals—which is all untrue, in my opinion. However, people who see the law as black and white are unable to understand humanity, and compassion for others. You cannot understand the extremes people go to if you are never presented with those circumstances. It’s cruel and unusual to prison innocent women and children. To batter men, and place people escaping trauma—into solitary confinement. I can’t even begin to analyze how psychologically damaging that must be.