Part II – Identities

Chapters in the Identities section highlight the diversity within the panethnic category of Hispanic/Latino/a/x as well as the intersections of race, gender, class, sexuality and other markers of identity that shape the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion within communities and in relation to broader social formations. Chapters in this section also address how different identities and power dynamics have found expression in media representation and production. Each chapter follows a chronological panorama of film and media production and identifies intersections with broader social and historical developments. Chapter 4 offers an overview of how race and ethnicity have been understood officially in the United States versus how race and color are understood in Latin America. Chapter 5 considers Afro-Latinx identity and media, emphasizing that Latinx identity is not a racial category but an ethnic one that can be understood in a relational manner. Chapter 6 examines diasporic indigenous Latinx identity and media. Not only are indigenous peoples of Latin America a growing population within the Latinx community, but the diversity of indigenous populations demands that we recognize the complexities of Latinx identities. Chapter 7 explores some of the ways Latinx feminist perspectives respond to and inform media practices, while Chapter 8 examines films and television shows that have addressed the intersection of Latinx and LGBTQ, focusing on the representation and narrative role of Latinx queer characters.

After completing this section, students should be able to:

• Identify the most salient factors that have shaped definitions and understandings of racial, ethnic, and gender identities
• Evaluate how the diversity of Latinx identities shape experiences of inclusion and exclusion (or citizenship / belonging) for members of different communities
• Recognize the diversity within the Latinx community in terms of national origin, race, gender, and sexuality.