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Stereotypes In Latino Movies

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In a study done by University of Southern California’s Annenberg school of the top 100 grossing movies, only 4.9% of actors and actresses were Hispanic, even though today we see more Latinos in Hollywood than before, sadly the percentage of Hispanic representation in Hollywood is still extremely low. Latino stars have it tough. From inevitable accents to being bound to Latino stereotypes, each movie, commercial, and screen-time is an accomplishment. We are never aware all the arduous work that they had to do. We never know where they come from or the sacrifices that they had to make. Some of them changed their name just to be seen beyond their race, others are limited to roles because of their skin color or accent. Stars like Charlie Sheen (Carlos Edwin Estevez), Carmen Miranda (Maria do …show more content…
This type of stereotyping has followed specific actors and actresses throughout their careers in Hollywood. If you are older and “grandma” looking, that is the role you get. Basically, if you look the part you play the part and that is how the Hollywood scheme works for Latinos. There hasn’t been a shortage of Latinos playing the typical maid or immigrant role in Hollywood, but it’s obvious that top Hollywood movies, still lack Latinos in leading roles. Although, not all movies that Latinos participate in are about negative stereotypes, some credible films are Stand and Deliver, Selena, Like Water for Chocolate and McFarland USA. These films are positive and give Latino actors a chance to show their true acting capabilities. In conclusion, negative films, and movies that stereotype can be harmful to Latinos. It gives people the idea that all Latinos are second class citizens, with no education or careers. It also creates the illusion that Latinos have nothing positive to offer or share with American cinema. Most importantly, it gives Latinos a limited amount of options in

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