Latinos and the Black Community Have Some Similarities

When Lizzy gave her presentation on Latinos in the Media, in some ways the stereotypes about them reminded me of the same stereotypes black women have in their community. We both have issues dealing with colorism and body images. When women with lighter complexions are pushed to the forefront of our race and held as the standard of beauty. The lighter, the whiter, the whiter, the righter. That mindset is dangerous and has took its toll on both of our communities. Not only complexions but if you don’t have a curvaceous body then you aren’t “black enough” and in the Latino community it’s the same standard.

The lack of representation in the media of different skin tones in the Latino community is bad. I remember hearing of Amara La Negra in the media and seeing a picture of her for the first time. I can’t lie to you, I thought she was a white woman who had a bunch of plastic surgery in blackface. I’m ashamed to say that was my first thought but I had never seen a dark complexion Latina. That goes to reiterate why Latinos need more representation in the media. They need more representation because for that to have been my first thought seeing Amara La Negra is sad. We need more of a range when Latinos are portrayed in the media. She has often said that's why she puts "La Negra" in her stage name because she is proud of her dark skin.

I do have to say that I don’t see a lot of progressive portrayals in the media and the fact that Latinos had to create their own network in order to see themselves portrayed in diverse roles is crazy. I have even noticed that the most viewed Latino shows deal with the drug cartel, gangs, or affairs.

They also come from a poor background and a huge family. I believe they need to create more TV shows giving Latinos in progressive roles. They could showcase a Latino family that is doing well for themselves and the mom and dad are either a doctor, lawyer or schoolteacher. Hopefully, Latinos will be able to hold more positions behind the scenes in media and be able to give their characters more progressive angles. I believe if the Black and Latino community can efficiently work together we can take the world of media by storm.