Mediated Representations of Latinos and the United States-Mexico Border in the Media

Abstract

Media is used to shape the identity of a nation. It serves as a vehicle to reassure and reaffirm the dominant group's perspective and ideals in order to maintain the status quo. The media has its greatest influence on people who do not have a frame of reference to help them interpret what they see. People who have not had direct contact with the subject being presented may believe that what they are viewing is an accurate depiction. Latinos are often misrepresented on television and film and are a minority faced with constant character distortion. The stereotyping of Latinos has changed very little since the 1970's when it was first called to the attention of the United States House and Senate. This is due in part to the nation's media outlets, which are still the main visual vehicles that perpetuate these stereotypes. This dissertation examines mediated representations of Latinos and the United States-Mexico Border in films, produced in Hollywood and Mexico City, as well as U.S. network newscasts.