Reel Latinxs: Representation in U.S. Film and TV

Latinx Pop Culture

by Frederick Luis Aldama, Christopher González

Latinx representation in the popular imagination has infuriated and befuddled the Latinx community for decades. These misrepresentations and stereotypes soon became as American as apple pie. But these cardboard cutouts and examples of lazy storytelling could never embody the rich traditions and histories of Latinx peoples. Not seeing real Latinxs on TV and film reels as kids inspired the authors to dive deep into the world of mainstream television and film to uncover examples of representation, good and bad. The a riveting ride through televisual and celluloid reels that make up mainstream culture.

As pop culture experts Frederick Luis Aldama and Christopher González show, the way Latinx peoples have appeared and are still represented in mainstream TV and film narratives is as frustrating as it is illuminating. Stereotypes such as drug lords, petty criminals, buffoons, and sexed-up lovers have filled both small and silver screens—and the minds of the public. Aldama and González blaze new paths through Latinx cultural phenomena that disrupt stereotypes, breathing complexity into real Latinx subjectivities and experiences. In this grand sleuthing sweep of Latinx representation in mainstream TV and film that continues to shape the imagination of U.S. society, these two Latinx pop culture authorities call us all to scholarly action.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2019

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a great checklist for the representations of Latinx in film and television. The two biggest take-aways are a yin and yang. On the downside, Latinos do not have a film like "Black Panther" something that is a watershed film celebrating the greatness of a culture, full of varied representations. The closest films are "Coco" and "Encanto" which unfortunately are both animated, for kids, and do not actually showcase varied representations. On the upside, the Disney umbrella (responsible for those animated films) has slowly been introducing Latinx characters in their Marvel films, and have Latinx characters as the lead or as prominent in their Star Wars franchise. Who would have thought they would take the lead?

[Ariana Katalina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great accessible read on an introduction to Latinx representation in both film and television. There is a good balance in back and forth between discussing representation (or lack of) across film and tv, and the authors give great insight on how and why things can and should be done better on the small and big screens. It's an interesting and engaging read too, it never reads as being dull. Would definitely recommend if you're just starting out research on the topic or you want a quick but still insightful read.

[Julissa B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed and thought provoking analysis on Latinx in film, television, and digital media. Highly recommend.

[Leigh Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorough and interesting.