Pop Goes La Cultura: American Pop Culture’s Perpetuation of Latino Paradigms and Stereotypes

Authors

Adrian E. Quinones Rivas, University of Northern ColoradoFollow
Berlinda Saenz, University of Northern ColoradoFollow

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Berlinda Saenz

Abstract

This article examines the perpetuation of Latino stereotypes and paradigms within American Pop Culture. Pop culture venues such as film, television, and the web platform YouTube were used as a basis for analysis. In addition, a few television primetime shows and movies are referenced, including The George Lopez Show, Jane the Virgin, Gilmore Girls, Scarface, and Mi Vida Loca (my crazy life), and critically analyzed as evidence of Latino subordination. Latino Americans face many challenges including being stereotyped as uneducated, poverty-stricken, lazy, aloof, and obtaining low end jobs such as janitors, housemaids, and gardeners. These negative depictions have created an illusion instead of depicting the Latino reality as hardworking, dedicated, and family-oriented people. Within this paper, an argument is made for why these depictions are false, create harm within the community, promote Anglo-American hegemony, and drive overall racial subordination.

Recommended Citation

Quinones Rivas, Adrian E. and Saenz, Berlinda (2017) "Pop Goes La Cultura: American Pop Culture’s Perpetuation of Latino Paradigms and Stereotypes," Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado: Vol. 6: No. 3, Article 2.
Available at: https://digscholarship.unco.edu/urj/vol6/iss3/2

UNCO Undergraduate Verification

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