February 1 Class Discussion

Part of understanding diversity is realizing that we must look outside our own experiences.  In more than one class discussion, student remarks have included disbelief that anyone in our society still perpetuates particular stereotypes--examples have included Dakotan protests of Native American activities at Mount Rushmore, and Tuesday's references to assumptions about Hispanic behavior.  Though we may consider ourselves enlightened, though we personally may not have experienced nor even witnessed predjudicial words, deeds or attitudes, our lack of understanding does not mean that such things no longer exist.  Entertainment sources can and do influence the perceptions of individuals about groups of people--ethnic, racial, political, religious, gender and other societal subsets are often portrayed in ways that are more harmful than entertaining. 

In the clips that we watched in class on Tuesday, women were portrayed as sex objects, Hispanics were portrayed as unintelligent drunks and men (setting aside Will Ferrell) were portrayed as being in charge.  The entertainment industry tends to take the easy and fast route--and shortcuts often equal stereotypes.  I couldn't think of a positive portrayal of Hispanics in popular culture; maybe George Lopez?  I did find an interesting article from the Harvard Education Review about The Chicano/Hispanic Image in American Film

by Frank Javier Garcia Berumen.  In the Berumen's conclusion, he states, "Undoubtedly, those who watch [television and movies with stereotypical depictions] will internalize the stereotypes they constantly see that reflect, and are reflective of, the cultural and political biases that shaped and continue to shape the Chicano and Hispanic image in American film."  We become what we consume.