In general, Latino culture has not analyzed the language used around race. Latinos believe that they can't be racist. We also say things like "that's the way it has always been." Because of this, we find it difficult to take a deeper look at how our words and thoughts about race actually have an impact.

In our media (such as novelas), darker skinned Latinos are consistently represented as subordinate to lighter skinned Latinos. This continues the colonialist idea that increased whiteness is better, by showing the white Latinos as superior in media.

Current movies, like In the Heights, received criticism for their representation of mainly white or white passing Latinos. The issue is present even today, not just in older novelas.

During the 2020 BLM protests, Univision and Telemundo consistently presented the BLM movement in a negative light with videos of looting and violence. Univision and Telemundo may be some Latino families primary source of news, so the representation of BLM that they give strongly influences the way Latinos view BLM. A negative representation of BLM enforces preexisting racist/colorist views, making it difficult for Latinos to support BLM.

Continue to our Intersectionality page to find the unique chances Latinos have to support BLM.