Chapter 7 in the textbook presents a critical shift in American film from early Latino stereotypes to a 1940s governmental propaganda plan known as the Good Neighbor Policy. As an important part of this policy, Hollywood was enlisted to create films and images that would celebrate Latino cultures and the idea of friendship between nations of North, Central, and South America.
Vocabulary related to this chapter. Apply these terms as best as possible.
Good Neighbor Policy
Action Adventure Movie
Zoot Suit Riots
Greaser Stereotype
Hispanic
Latin Lover Stereotype
Latino/a
Original Post
Part 1:
How would you define Latino cultural representation in film today as compared to those important points in history? Are the stereotypes presented through film examples in this class, and in other examples, still identifiable? Or have studios changed their position toward Latino culture? How does Latino cultural representation compare to other under/misrepresented groups in film? Consider the accuracy of information presented through film as compared to your own first-hand experiences.
Part 2:
After watching Precious Knowledge reflect on the film (using the questions provided as a guide if needed) in about a paragraph. How is this film reflected in our conversations about representation?
Part 3:
Select at least one other clip from this week and specifically connect it to any of the key terms or concepts presented in this week’s chapter in America on Film.
How to Complete This Post
Use examples from the textbook and clips you have watched for this module to inform your writing. You may also use examples that have not been presented in this class.
Please keep your post under a page but longer than a sentence. You can have a robust post and still be concise.
The discussion board is a two-step process. Please take the time to develop and present your ideas in short yet concrete statements. Make your initial post based on the provided prompt, then return to engage in the discussion by commenting on your peer’s submissions.
Response
Find a classmate’s original post (preferably one that has not been overly responded to) that generates a strong reaction from you. Take the time to read through it and respond thoughtfully to what they have written.
This online discussion board format replaces the face-to-face communication found in the traditional classroom. It will enrich your cultural awareness and critical-thinking skills and will help you to develop as responsible citizens of the world in an increasingly connected global community. Communication is interconnected and inseparable in a world characterized by diversity. As you gain greater intercultural sensitivity, you develop a greater understanding of yourself and your own culture.
As we will be discussing students’ ideas as a class, I expect each of you to act as professionals by treating others with respect. You may not agree with everyone, and there is a chance that you are the minority. This class must be a safe haven for all ideas. If you need a refresher about the course netiquette, you can click the following link.
Respond to Marissa’s Post;
When I reflect on Latino culture represented in films it took me awhile to think about what films I had recently seen that really represented them and I found it hard to come up with more than a handful of films, demonstrating how underrepresented they are. The ones that came to mind were all staring Jenifer Lopez in her roles in Maid in Manhattan (2002) and Monster-In-Law (2005). In each of her roles the white male co star comments on her beautiful and exotic features, yet her character was made to feel less than and ashamed of her underprivileged background at some point throughout both movies slightly touching on the Latin Lover stereotype and the divide between Americans and Mexican Americans. In the textbook it states, “Many Mexican Americans were still considered to be racialized Others – unable to assimilate and a threat to the mythical purity of white women and white culture.” Since I’m having a hard time pinpointing the stereotypes of Latino culture being represented in any of the films I’m familiar with I don’t think studios have changed their position and I find Latinos underrepresented and none of the films I’ve seen have even touched light on the Latino culture. I wasn’t surprised to learn that the Hollywood make artists enforced darkening of the complexion of greaser characters to enhance their whiteness the same way they have with other misrepresented groups in film through blackface and yellowface.
I found the film Precious Knowledge to be disheartening for several reasons, but the main one being that white patriarchal capitalism was so relevant throughout the whole film. I can’t comprehend why a white adult man in a position of power would think that he could understand the experiences and feelings that the children from La Raza Studies program had or were facing being Mexican Americans living here in America. I believe he has no right to ever make that claim. At the end of the day I thought the reasons behind the program were moral and important and I’m disappointed to see that the board of (almost) all white men didn’t see or understand the concept and importance behind it.
In the clip from West Side Story (1961) they talk about the rise of another WWIII because Maria danced with a white boy at the dance. It really touches on the days during Manifest Destiny marking U.S. identity and Mexican identity being very separate from one another, regardless if they both lived here in the U.S. Anita makes the comment “once an immigrant, always an immigrant” and they talk about all their hardships living here in America because of there Otherness.
