It is time to change the Latino representation on TV … – Variety Latino

It’s time to break stereotypes of Latinos in US television. Actually, the best term for this mission is the word “change”.

Several times we mentioned that there are many examples of successful Latino personalities in all areas and sectors. Specifically, with regard to American television, we have the highest paid actress today, Colombian Sofia Vergara . On the other hand, we also have producers, directors, screenwriters, among others, who have excelled in this industry, such as Eva Longoria , who recently produced the series called Telenovela for NBC.

sEE aLSO 19 series that should return to television

it is difficult to think that, at this stage of the game, stereotypes continue to proliferate in the way we are Latinos represented in the small screen. Why we not dare to produce programs like The Walking Dead or Scandal with a Hispanic twist? Where are the Kerry Washington or Shonda Rhimes Latina

We know very well the status the lack of representation of Latino actors in Hollywood. And when given the opportunity to take a leading role, they tend to pigeonhole them; anything different from what happens on television. Do you remember when the Mexican Demian Bichir was nominated as Best Actor at the Oscars for her role in A Better Life ? While this achievement was a pride, his role in the film was a gardener; indeed full respect for this work, but is not it time to look beyond?

We continue already seeing, as a rule, the characters are always Latinos, we are talking about the housekeeper, the laborer or gardener , the Latin bombshell, Hispanic lover, the drug dealer, the gang, criminal, finally, it is uphill on American television finally achieve diversify the characters given to Latino actors.

not to mention programs like Narcos , and now, more recently, the new story starring the Colombian Andrés Parra , which tells the story of the late Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez , we’re talking about Commander .

sEE ALSO historical and controversial television series Characters: a way to ensure ratings?

Is it possible to reform the Latino stereotypes? It’s everyone’s responsability. From the writers, producers and even audiences who follow these programs and actors. National Hispanic Coalition at the Media conducted a study on the impact on the way the media portrays Latinos and immigrants, it revealed that the news and entertainment media have a strong influence on the perception that people have towards Hispanics and immigrants in the United States.

a very interesting example of the TV is Jane the Virgin . The story is inspired by a successful Latin American soap opera, Juana La Virgen . The program The CW is played by the young actress Gina Rodriguez , who have become primarily a role model for Latinas.

The program is a success and He has been given the opportunity to its protagonist to take advantage of his popularity to help break the recurring Latino stereotypes on television today.

Rodriguez took home the Golden Globe in 2015, a large feat, and noted for his speech full empowerment toward Latinos, “This award represents something much bigger than me. It represents a culture that wants to look like heroes, “he said at that time.

It is the responsibility of the new generations reform offered Latino characters and the stories of these characters? Maybe them easier to young players capitalize on the stories and diversity that will have to be in one way or another, because simply, audiences now have the power to choose what they like, and not only that, in the 2040, minorities will be the majority in the United States.