Latino Representation Situation on Prime Time Television, Essay Example

The article addresses the Latino representation situation on prime time television.  Additionally, the video “Spanglish” will be viewed in order to help elaborate upon the subject of Latino representation on prime time television.  Latino stereotypes on prime time television are also a subject that seems to be unclear.

Latino Representation on Primetime Television

The present study was conducted by Dana Mastro and Elizabeth Behm-Morawitz.  It looks at the ethnic stereotypes and identity associated with the Latino population.  It takes a special look at the role of primetime television in this subject, as research has identified the relationship between television exposure and identity within racial and ethnic groups within the United States.

The research has identified some negative tendencies in respect to Latino representation on television.  The first respect is in relationship to quantity.  The Latino population is underrepresented on television, and often displayed in secondary roles.  Additionally, when Latinos are portrayed in television, they are often confined in a set of narrow and negative roles.  These roles include a number of misleading and undermining roles to represent the Latino population.

The results from the methods used in the study found a relationship between the race/ethnicity of an individuals and the manner in which he or she is portrayed on primetime television.  Research has demonstrated the dualistic view of fading stereotypes, yet in some instances they are not able to be seen from those who are not of the Latino population.  Researchers see the stereotypes that are being portrayed as negative, where negative stereotypes are being reinforced instead of challenged.

Researchers found further negative elements in regards to Latino stereotypes on primetime television.  According to the study, less favorable characteristics are being portrayed for Latinos than those with blacks or whites.  While subordinate tendencies are fading, Latinos are still being shown as having less job authority and being in professional occupations less frequently.

The study also demonstrated that Latinos were underrepresented and demonstrated negatively in regards to character.  The study haw Latinos as being in 3.9% of the television population, as opposed to that of 12.5% in that of the United States.  Additionally, Latinos were being portrayed as quick to anger, lazy, and other negative stereotypes at times, but certainly not overwhelmingly.

Reacting to the findings, it is quite disheartening to see these tendencies.  Prime time television should not be perpetuating these negative concepts of the Latino population.  From these results, it becomes clear that work needs to be done in order to battle these negative stereotypes that are being reinforced.

Spanglish

George Lopez’s Spanglish begins with the joke that introduces the mixing of English and Spanish into a “new” language in Hispanic households.  Moving into the topic of success, Lopez then introduces the interesting statement that Hispanics are often surprised at success.  He then mentions when a maid thought that he was already cleaning the room, when in an expensive hotel room, which may or may not be true.

Lopez then speaks regarding food poising in a joking fashion.  He depicts white people as those who complain when the Hispanics are doing the work.  Stereotyping white people, Lopez refers to the payback of Latinos when something like this goes wrong, as Latinos are “the first ones there,” meaning Latinos do all of the work.

My reaction to this was also disheartening.  It is unfortunate to have a celebrity who is Latino who reinforces these stereotypes in order to get people to laugh.  While many of course know better, many young Latinos look up to him as a role model.  Of course, young people of all races would be able to take something out of these negative stereotypes.

Lopez also takes it a step further.  Although he plays into the stereotypes, he seems to take pride in the recognized truth of these stereotypes.  For instance, when he mentions that Latinos were the first ones there, the crowd responds by cheering.  This seems to undermine the true pride of some Latinos, by establishing this relationship between Latinos and low job status.

Conclusion

The Lopez clip seems to play into the stereotypes that are addressed with the study.  While this is a comedy show, it still reinforces the negative portrayal of Latinos on primetime television.  Agreeing with these negative stereotypes, Latinos, as well as other races of people, are undermined.

It is of course unfortunate that they dynamics are true for Hispanic representation on primetime television.  As one major influence on the population of all peoples, it remains unfortunate that these stereotypes are being accepted and reinforced on television.  Hopefully this can be improved upon for future generations, where positive associations can be made for people of all cultures.