Title: Latino Portrayals In The Media
Headings: 

Content: The problem with the assumption that Latinos are so homogenous is that it leads people to believe that no diversity exists. The lack of diversity can be extended to the diversity of social, economic, education and health needs. If people in the United States assume that all Latinos are poor or rich then none of these problems are being addressed. The only way that most of these problems can be solved is with the help of the larger national and global community. Another problem which arises from the assumption of Latinos as a heterogeneous community is that it oppresses Latinos indirectly. Although Latinos are a minority community not all Latinos like each other or share the same values. As a result it is more difficult for Latinos to come together to fight the created labels and false cultural propaganda that work against them. One way in which Latinos have started to fight against false perceptions created by the media is through creating their own documentaries. 13 From Dr. Benamou’s presentation she showed that through the past fifty years Latino documentaries have included the issues of border control, farm work, feminism, media activism, gay and lesbian documentaries, and globalization. These documentaries were created in an effort to educate, be used as self reflection, and create opportunities where there were none.