Ask an expert: Bel Hernandez discusses Latino stereotypes

Note: This interview was originally published on CNNfyi.com on September 26, 2000.

Bel Hernandez is co-founder of LATINHEAT, the only Latino entertainment industry trade publication with a focus on highlighting Latinos in all aspects of the industry. Ms. Hernandez began her career in entertainment as an actor on stage, screen and television. She made her transition into publishing in 1992, serving as Publisher and Editor-In-Chief of LATINHEAT, and is the driving force behind the current success of the publication .

CNNfyi: Why has it been so difficult for Latinos to gain fair representation in the entertainment industry? What are some good ways for educators to teach students how to analyze cultural representation in the media?

Bel Hernandez: The entertainment industry is a closed industry with few opportunities to gain access. Many who manage an entrance do so by taking internships at studios, networks and production companies, etc. These opportunities are given to young adults known to persons already within the industry -- usually to their acquaintances, family and friends. Since there are few Latinos in the industry, the opportunities given to them are rare.

As far as images seen on the screen, people write about what they know. Since there are only a sprinkling of Latino writers being produced, the Latino image with a Latino perspective is rarely seen. Instead, what you see are non-Latinos' ideas of what a Latino is. Often, this image comes from the negative stereotypes writers have seen in film and on TV, or the news, or from Latinos they know, most of whom are their waiters, maids, gardeners or nannies. You consistently see the same negative Latino characters written into plots over and over again. Even when there is a positive role, it is usually that of a nonprofessional. Rarely do you see a Latino doctor, private investigator, stock broker, company CEO or astronaut.

Educators can help balance the inequities of these portrayals by initiating dialogue between their students on how stereotypes are formed, and by focusing on the positive contributions of Latinos. They can make it a point of looking for balanced representations of Latinos in English language publications that focus on the U.S. Latino population, such as Hispanic, Latin Heat, Latina, Hispanic Business, Urban Latino, Latin Girl and Latin Style. These publications carry articles of successful Latinos in a variety of fields.

It would also be interesting for teachers to take a look at the political climate with their students. Many times prejudices come from fear. The Latino community is the fastest growing minority in America. This growth causes many Anglos to think that "they" (Latinos) are taking over. Teachers can give a historical overview to show that "they" were here before there was a United States. The majority are U.S. citizens whose family members have fought in every war dating back to the Civil War. In short, there has been a lack of inclusion of Latinos in the history of this country that has led to the misconception of who U.S. Latinos really are.

CNNfyi: Do you think that Latinos "anglicize" themselves to gain popularity in the entertainment industry? If so, why? What effects would this have on the Latino community and on other audience members?

Hernandez: It depends on what you mean by "anglicize." Latino is a term used for people whose ethnic background comes from Latin American countries or Spain. Although the majority of Latinos are dark-haired and brown-eyed, Latinos come in a variety of complexions. There are olive-skinned Latinos, black Latinos, blond-haired and blue-eyed Latinos, redheaded Latinos and so on.

Cameron Diaz is a Latina, but she does not have to anglicize herself. Jennifer Lopez has dyed her hair almost blond -- so she may look a bit more anglicized, but she is still proud of her Latino roots and vocal about them. She is also very "New York," because she grew up in the Bronx. Is that anglicized? Or is she just a product of her environment?

There was a time when Latinos made a point of not speaking Spanish and denying they were Latinos -- because there was a time, not too long ago, when teachers demanded that Latinos not speak Spanish because they were "in America." Since Ricky Martin exploded on the scene at the Grammys last year, being Latino is cool. There are more and more of what I call "born again Latinos": those who can come out and proudly admit they are Latino. Some of them look very anglicized; the majority look very Latino.

With more positive images of the dark-haired Latino, audiences will begin to feel less threatened, and young Latinos will feel from the start that they are part of the equation, and that people who look like them are contributing good things to our society.

CNNfyi: In areas where there is friction between Latinos and other groups, what are some ways students can become more accepting of different cultures? How can we help students celebrate, rather than reject, diversity?

Hernandez: When kids start in kindergarten, there are very few prejudices. They are accepting of everyone. Somewhere along the way, the adult prejudices come into play. Maybe we need to start there.

As for students who come into the system a little older, again, I believe that learning about each other's cultures is helpful. I don't mean just about what they eat and their holidays; I mean learning about their poets, actors, writers, politicians and children -- learning not from traditional textbooks, which often leave out significant contributions by other cultures, but from special interest magazines and literature.

For smaller children, I think watching Nickelodeon is good. Here you see children from all different ethnic backgrounds interacting with no problem whatsoever. Hopefully this will carry over through adulthood and beyond.

For older students, pointing out the ethnic backgrounds of some of their favorite singers and sports figures, and learning about how they got where they are, can be a source of pride for them if they happen to be of the same ethnic background. This method works if there is inclusiveness of every ethnic group represented in the classroom.

There is a tendency to include just African-Americans and think that diversity is covered. This is not the case. Latinos, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific, Koreans -- all need their time in the spotlight. Finally, it is essential to let everyone realize that we are all citizens of this nation, and we all belong here.