More than a moment: Behind the lack of Latinx representation in media

Nati Feliciano-Soto, Contributing Writer

Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month, where from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, we celebrate the cultural and social diversity that makes up the Latinx community —  a minority community standing tall at an astounding almost 19% of the United States population. 

Our food, culture and even music are a staple for many trends and societal norms and inspire the diversity of American culture, yet when you turn on a television screen we are almost nowhere to be found. 

Sure, in the last couple of years, some efforts have been made with “Blue Beetle” or “On My Block,” and stars like Jenna Ortega and Selena Gomez have been at the forefront of our representation. But when “Lopez vs Lopez” is the only Latinx-centered show currently on television, we have to sit down and ask ourselves: Have we really embraced diversity, or do we just give the Latinx community small moments to shine before quietly dismissing their stories? 

As a Puerto Rican American and aspiring film producer and writer, I have seen both the hopeful side of representation and the unfortunate ugly side of it. This observation has inspired me to become an advocate for proper representation in the media — a conversation that is constantly held yet with inequitable actions.

During my community college days, I conducted a year-long research project called “Behind the Lack of Latinx Representation.” This project explored the main components of our current representation including its history, the complexity of stereotypes and the steps the community is taking to address barriers within the film industry. 

Historically, Latinx representation in American media has consisted of stereotypes and marginalization. Early Hollywood often casted Latinx actors in roles that perpetuated harmful and simplistic stereotypes. 

Latinx actors in the early 20th-century were largely confined to roles that served as a parody of how American society viewed Latinx people rather than letting them be complex characters. They were frequently restricted to comedic sidekicks or villains in various films and television shows, reinforcing narrow portrayals and often perpetuating negative stereotypes. 

In the late 20th and early 21st-centuries, there were some efforts to shift this narrative. Shows like “Saved by the Bell” and “George Lopez” emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s, challenging existing stereotypes and providing more honest portrayals of Latinx characters. 

Despite the impact of these groundbreaking shows, they still faced significant challenges, including limited episode orders, constant time slot changes and a lack of long-term support. 

There were notable attempts to improve representation in the 2010s. Shows like “Jane the Virgin” and “One Day at a Time” introduced more complex Latinx characters and storylines.

However, these efforts have not always been sustainable. The cancellation of beloved shows featuring Latinx leads such as “Gordita Chronicles,” “The Horror of Dolores Roach” and “Freeridge” highlights a persistent issue in the industry: the lack of a sustained commitment to diversity. 

This issue is evident when you look at the current media landscape. We may have a movie or two in which Jenna Ortega or Xolo Maridueña will pop in as our hero, but the fleeting nature of support for Latinx-centric projects suggests a superficial embrace of diversity rather than a deep-seated commitment.

Addressing the disparity in Latinx representation requires more than just tokenism or short-lived projects. Several strategies can foster meaningful and lasting change: 

Investment in Diverse Stories: Media companies must commit to not only including Latinx characters but also investing in stories that reflect the diverse experiences within the community. This involves supporting projects from Latinx creators and Latinx-owned production companies that can bring authentic voices and perspectives to the forefront. 

Sustained Representation: It is crucial to ensure that Latinx representation is not just a trend, but a consistent presence across all forms of media. This means giving Latinx-led projects the support they need to thrive and not canceling them prematurely.

Inclusion Behind the Camera: True representation extends beyond on-screen talent. Increasing Latinx involvement in writing, directing and producing can lead to more authentic and diverse storytelling. It also ensures that the narratives being shared are both genuine and impactful.

Audience Advocacy: Audiences play a significant role in shaping media trends by actively supporting Latinx-led projects and voicing dissatisfaction with the lack of representation. Viewers can influence networks and studios to prioritize diversity.

As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, it is essential to recognize both the progress made and the work that still remains. Embracing true diversity means ensuring that Latinx individuals are not only seen but also heard and valued in every corner of the media. 

Only then can we achieve a representation that truly reflects the rich and varied experiences of the Latinx community.

For further insight into the ongoing challenges and discussions surrounding Latinx representation, you can check out my research media project, “Behind the lack of Latinx Representation,” on YouTube. It offers a more detailed look into the current state of media representation and what can be done to improve it.