[...] The increasing importance of Hispanics in U.S. society has brought up a number of
new literature regarding the Hispanic community, especially in the context of film. Two
important authors / editors should be named at the beginning: At first, Chon A. Noriega,
who has published the latest overview of Chicano cinema in 20003. Second Gary D. Keller,
who edited a number of “groundbreaking” (Noriega on Keller) surveys about the
development of Chicano cinema in the 20th century. This seminar paper covers a longer,
more recent period of time, and names also movies from Hispanics or about Hispanics
after the year 2000, which were not mentioned in these books. Therefore I will refer to
some websites dealing with Chicano cinema.
I will begin my analysis with describing the Hispanic image in Hollywood. Their
presentation in 20th century mainstream cinema is not just decisive for the image that
consumers have about the Latino culture, but has also been decisive for the obstacles
towards an Hispanic establishment in Hollywood.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Ethnicity and Popular Culture – Hispanics and Contemporary Hollywood
- The passionate lover and the menace to society: the Hispanic image in U.S. mainstream movies
- Towards a Hispanic Hollywood: The establishment of a Chicano cinema
- Another way? features of Chicano movies
- Hispanics vs. Afro-Americans in popular culture
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This seminar paper explores the representation of Hispanics in Hollywood mainstream film since the 1980s. It examines how the Hispanic image in film reflects the broader social and political context, particularly the tensions between Hispanic and Anglo communities. The paper will discuss the challenges faced by Hispanic filmmakers in establishing a Chicano cinema and will analyze the impact of these developments on the Hollywood landscape.
- The evolution of the Hispanic image in Hollywood mainstream movies
- The rise and development of Chicano cinema
- The social and political context of Hispanic representation in popular culture
- The comparison of Hispanic and Afro-American representations in film
- The struggle for Hispanic rights and representation in the entertainment industry
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of the Hispanic image in American popular culture, highlighting the historical context of Hispanic immigration to the United States and the growing importance of the Hispanic community. It emphasizes the disparity between the perceived image of the US as a melting pot and the reality of social and political struggles experienced by Hispanics.
- Ethnicity and Popular Culture – Hispanics and Contemporary Hollywood: This chapter examines the Hispanic image in Hollywood mainstream movies, highlighting the stereotypical representations that have prevailed for decades. It explores the portrayal of Hispanic characters as “passionate lovers” or “villains” and discusses how these stereotypes have contributed to the limited representation of Hispanic culture and community in mainstream cinema.
- The passionate lover and the menace to society: the Hispanic image in U.S. mainstream movies: This chapter delves into the specific portrayals of Hispanic characters in Hollywood films, tracing the evolution of stereotypes from the post-war period to the 1960s. It analyzes the presentation of Hispanic men as either “sex objects” or “villains” and explores the role of Hispanic women as “hot-blooded Latinas.” It also examines the rise of the Western genre and its stereotypical depiction of Mexicans as “banditos.”
- Towards a Hispanic Hollywood: The establishment of a Chicano cinema: This chapter focuses on the development of Chicano cinema as an alternative to mainstream Hollywood. It discusses the challenges faced by Chicano filmmakers in establishing a distinct cinematic voice and their efforts to create films that reflect the diverse experiences and realities of the Hispanic community.
- Another way? features of Chicano movies: This chapter analyzes the unique features of Chicano films, highlighting their distinctive themes, aesthetics, and narratives. It explores how Chicano filmmakers utilize film to address social issues, celebrate their cultural heritage, and challenge the dominant representations of Hispanics in mainstream cinema.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This seminar paper examines the intersection of ethnicity, popular culture, and representation in contemporary Hollywood. It explores the representation of Hispanics in mainstream films, the emergence of Chicano cinema as an alternative cinematic tradition, and the social and political context surrounding these developments. Key terms and concepts include Hispanic identity, Hollywood stereotypes, Chicano culture, civil rights movements, cultural representation, film industry, and social commentary.
- Citation du texte
- Bernd Evers (Auteur), 2002, Ethnicity and Popular Culture - Hispanics and Contemporary Hollywood , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/55046
