Corporate America’s treatment of Latinx people as a homogeneous monolithic group, instead of the diverse demographic it is, has for decades perpetuated stereotypes of Latino authenticity.
These stereotypes have disproportionately depicted Latinos on TV and in movies as Spanish speakers that hailed from Latin America and shared a particular Latin “look.”In Hollywood, this narrative has reinforced the notion that we are a niche market that is separate from the mainstream, which could be served through the importation of programming that is cheaper to produce in Latin America over programing that is produced in the United States.
That’s why it was exciting to see Jenna Ortega and Pedro Pascal make Emmy history last week, as only the third Latina actress and first Latino actor nominated in the lead acting categories for the hit shows “Wednesday” and “The Last of Us.”Though Latinx people make up 19 percent of the U.S. population, they account for less than 5 percent of actors cast in speaking roles in the nation’s top-grossing films.
Additionally, representation in the media industry as a whole stands at a mere 12 percent, with the majority of positions being service oriented, like cleaning services and security.
These numbers have remained stagnant for decades, which is outrageous when you consider that they make up nearly half the population in Los Angeles County.
Persons:
Jenna Ortega, Pedro Pascal
Organizations:
Hollywood, Latina
Locations:
America, United States, Los Angeles County