Latinos in Film

In 2016, looking back on the all the popular television and film throughout the year, I can say that I saw a lot of bigger roles being played by African Americans. Shows like "Fresh off the Boat" and "Dr.Ken" that star Asian families have become popular lately. When it comes to hip hop music, many asian rappers have topped the charts with songs like "It g Ma". Over the last couple of years, Asians have become popular models for things like StreetWear. Asians have become the new minority, and left behind unrepresented in the media, are Latinos. Latinos are the most un represented minority in film and television. In the past year, we've seen Latinos in roles like El Diablo from Suicide Squad and Ghost Rider from Agents of Shield. What do both of those characters have in common? They both happen to be mechanics and violent individuals with quick tempers. This stereotypical biased view is hurting us. It's the reason people like Donald Trump can get away with blatant racism and disrespect towards Hispanic people. Why does the Latino always have to play the villain? The outcast? The joke?

There isn't one Disney princess who is Mexican or Latino? And I can't remember the last time I saw a Hispanic women with a leading role in a high production film. Instead, Hispanic women are often completely sexualized in the media and given little speaking roles. Jane the virgin, a cw show about a young girl's relationships and experiences as a young mother, is a positive show. Despite having a baby, Jane continues to go to school and work to support her child. That's great. But it would also be great to have a show about a young girl living a seemingly boring, average life. Because Hollywood has inflated the Latin American image with stereotypes and misconceptions.