Beatriz Carrillo: Our Representation, Our Future
Although Latinos are now the largest non-white ethnic group in the United States, the media does not represent us this way. Media hardly ever covers news that pertains to Latinos; however, when we are in the media it will usually be negative and stereotypical. Young Latinos in the United States do not have the opportunity to see the great things Latinos are capable of. Instead, these young people are shown frames where Latinos are only undocumented, criminal, immigrants who cannot amount to anything.
The media portrays Latinos as Spanish speaking immigrants who are freeloading off of the American system. In reality, although there are millions of Latino immigrants there are also many Latinos who were born in the United States. These Latinos especially the immigrants, contribute greatly to the American economy. Many Latinos, especially second and third generations, tend to be bilingual with a preference for English. But of course, the media never portray these images of Latinos.
These negative portrayals of Latinos in the media have an effect in the Latino population, that as a community we cannot overlook. The media a very influential in the forming our perceptions of the world and if Latinos are portrayed so negatively, what can young Latinos aspire to be? Although there are many Latinos who have risen above the stereotypes and are great professionals, the media ignores them Too many Latinos get stuck in the stereotype that the media has created for them. As a community we need to demand better representation of the Latino community is order to aspire for a better future.