The topic of across-the-board representation in Hollywood has always served as a lightning rod of controversy, particularly when it comes to ethnic minorities. This, is unfortunately, isn't a trend that is escaped by individuals of Hispanic and Latin American descent.

     The video that can be found on the left side of this page explains that "less than 5 percent of actors in top Hollywood films are Hispanic and that Latinas are more likely than women of any other ethnicity to appear partially or totally naked on screen." This harsh reality portrays two systemic issues. First, is that Latinx individuals on the whole rarely get any screen-time or significant roles that would allow them to be noticed for their intrinsic acting ability or get any respect in the industry. Second, is that the few roles they are awarded generally fit the stereotype already ingrained in American culture, consisting of Latinx women with thick accents and thicker physiques, flaunting their curves with very little garments.

     This isn't exclusive to Latinx individuals who identify as women however, as the video also states "About 17% of Hispanic males were shown in 'tight, alluring, or revealing clothing,' the most of any group." (USC group) This little snippet articulately explains hows Latinx men are also generally cast into roles that depict them as either hyper-sexualized, greasy alpha dogs who are comically bad at English and will do anything to woo their potential lover, or misogynistic street thugs who have nothing to contribute to society. “Men such as Antonio Banderas, Fernando Lamas and Ricardo Montalban all starred in a number of roles that perpetuated the idea that [...] men are incredibly suave, sexy and skilled in the sheets. The stereotype became so popular that a film called ‘Latin Lovers’ debuted in 1958. Ricardo Montalban and Lana Turner starred.” (Website listed at the bottom of the page.) The fact that Latinx people make up approximately 17% of the US population but less than 5% of film roles shows the narrow-minded approach of Hollywood producers and the niche roles (none of which are profound or not objectifying) in which they are compelled to believe Latinx individuals can only fit.

Cited Source’s Original Website: https://www.thoughtco.com/latino-stereotypes-in-television-and-film-2834654