Influence of Movies

• Movies are considered one of the strongest mediums ever created.
• They attack the subconscious mind and change viewers' perceptions.
• Hollywood portrays Latinos in specific ways, influencing global perceptions.

Evolution of Latino Representation in Hollywood

• Early cinema depicted Mexicans as 'Greasers,' often portraying them negatively.
• Latin Lover image emerged in the 1920s with actors like Rudolph Valentino and Antonio Moreno.
• Early depictions were harmful stereotypes but also included romanticized images.
• The introduction of sound in films posed challenges for actors with accents.
• Lupe Velez became known as a comedic actress in Hollywood.

Hollywood's Response to Criticism

• Latin American countries boycotted films due to negative stereotypes.
• Mexican government banned films that were offensive to Mexicans in 1922.
• Hollywood began to portray more positive images due to political pressure.

Impact of World War II

• Hollywood produced films that promoted positive relations with Latin America as part of the Good Neighbor Policy.
• Actors like Desi Arnaz and Anthony Quinn portrayed Latino characters positively.
• Rita Hayworth and others were de-Latinized to appeal to American audiences.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Many Latino actors changed their names to avoid ethnic stereotyping.
• Latinos faced typecasting in gangster and secondary roles.
• Hollywood stereotypes often involved gang members and negative portrayals.
• Despite stereotypes, Latino films like "El Norte" and "La Bamba" became successes.

Contributions of Latino Filmmakers

• Rita Moreno, a notable example, achieved success despite industry barriers.
• Latino filmmakers began creating their own narratives in the late 20th century.
• Directors like Robert Rodriguez and Luis Valdez told stories from a Latino perspective.

Modern Representation

• A new wave of Latino actors and filmmakers began making their mark in Hollywood.
• Films like "Selena" and "American Me" highlighted Latino stories.
• Jennifer Lopez and others became stars in their own right.

Legacy and Future

• Latinos have played a significant role in shaping Hollywood.
• The industry's portrayal and acceptance of Latinos continue to evolve.
• Latino artists' persistence helps to broaden the narrative on screen.