Hispanics in Cinema

Introduction

Cinemas play an important role in manipulating human psychology, sociology, and morality of individuals. The influence of Hispanics on Hollywood movies is obvious. The influence of Hispanics is in the form of Hispanic themes, partial dialogues, or entire dialogues in Spanish. The movies that have reflected Hispanic themes include Selena, The Mask of Zorro, and Traffic. The movie, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, is also an example of Hispanic influence on movies (Charlem, pp. 286).

Thesis Statement

It is important to explore the influence of Hispanics on cinema because it is socially important to determine how racial minorities are depicted.

Discussion

Movies and television programs have a significant and powerful impact on the beliefs of individuals. Individuals from a foreign culture or country often believe what is depicted in movies. Therefore, the portrayal of Hispanics in movies is not only likely to impact individuals living among Hispanics but also those who are not aware of Hispanics culture.

During the last few years the focus on the role of mass media in the acculturation process has been increased. Acculturation can be defined as the process of changes among individuals who live in one culture and acquire traits from another culture. Ethnic group members who aim to acculturate acquire norms and values of the dominant culture from the media of the host country. Thus, mass media plays a significant role in influencing the knowledge and attitudes of the larger population about minority groups. In this regard, media can play both positive and negative roles.

The media often portrays Hispanic characters in unflattering and inconsequential roles. Hispanics are often casted in comic roles, law enforces, and law offenders. The portrayal of Hispanics in the United States media has not been much better. This is common in all forms of media; for instance, in newspapers the stories related to Hispanics are limited and have negative tone. The portrayal of Hispanics in advertising is also limited and stereotypical. The Hispanic character that is in the minds of people is Frito Bandito, a highly stereotypical character. This character was created by an agency named Foote, Cone and Belding. The character was animated by Tex Avery. In order to voice the character, an exaggerated Hispanic accent was used. The character used to rob people of Frito corn chip. The character reflects Hispanic bandit stereotype in the society of the United States (Subervi-Vélez, pp. 46).

Another example of the portrayal ...