Blog 3

Describe the “greaser” and the “Latin Lover” stereotypes. When did these stereotypes emerge and how were they represented on screen? How does the concept of “whiteness” inform their circulation in U.S. cinema? What is the “Good Neighbor Policy” and what impact did it have on the representation of Latinos/as? How does the concept of “whiteness” inform the ways Latino/a actors were promoted within the U.S. film industry (provide at least one example)? What shifts occur in Latino/a media representation after the Civil Rights movement? Discuss at least one Latino/a actor and/or director (one from the immediate post-Civil Rights era and one contemporary) and briefly explain how their careers are influenced by the history of Latinas/os in American film.

Both the greaser and Latin lover are common stereotypical media representations of persons appearing to be of Southern American decent. The greaser is typically an oily, brown toned man with a black mustache. The greaser typically plays two roles; one being an aggressor, the other a lazy-care free character. The Latin lover stereotype originated in the 1920s, and is marked typically with a sense of mysteriousness enriched by a smooth accent, unmistakably tan skin, and long hair. Latino women portray similar characters. The Latin lover almost plays the role of a tan American heartthrob for white American women, whereas the greaser typically wouldn’t exercise similar characteristics.
The Good Neighbor policy was a project developed by the government to establish better relationships with our neighbors to the south. As a result of this implementation, Hollywood was coerced into attempting to portray more amiable relationships with our bordering countries.
Cesar Chavez was an actor who used his status to aid Latino people into progressive civil rights movements. Cheech Marin became famous by playing the stereotype in more recent comedies, and has also attributed to similar Latino contributions.