Frijoles in corn country: The heartland's perspective of Hispanics on television
Date
1996
Authors
Hernandez, Kim Lynn
Major Professor
Advisor
Coon, Stephen C.
Committee Member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
In this study the focus is on misleading television portrayals of Hispanics. The term Hispanic includes individuals of Mexican American, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central and South American and Spanish decent (U.S. Bureau of the Census). Their heritage, culture and contributions throughout history are diverse and significant, yet they are repeatedly narrowcast by Hollywood. Since World War II Hispanics have either been totally absent from the screen or stereotyped by television as Latin lovers, uneducated bandidos, and violent criminals (Chavez, 1996; Litchner & Amundson, 1994; Wilson & Gutierrez, 1985). It is especially important to look at the effect of these negative stereotypical portrayals because Hispanics are the fastest growing minority in the country. This study also contributes a unique aspect to the analysis of media effects. In most studies the method employed is limited to one tool, usually content analysis to determine the amount and type of television portrayal, or some kind of survey technique that measures attitude or response to particular stimuli. In this study a direct comparison will be made between the images portrayed on television and the images of "real life" Hispanics as individuals according to a non-Hispanic sample.
Series Number
Journal Issue
Is Version Of
Versions
Series
Academic or Administrative Unit
Type
thesis