The Latino Media Gap Crisis

I can remember the time when Latino population statistics were up for debate but in 2015 it is clear that Latinos are the fastest and largest growing minority in the United States. Therefore one would think that Latino representation in media outlets such as television, news, and movies would mirror that statistic however that is not so.  I decided to do my research and instantly came across what is labeled "The Latino Media Gap Crisis". In a study done by Columbia University, the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP), and The National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts (NHFA) which might be one of the biggest projects of its time is a 44 page document which is divided in seven sections that include: "(1) overall limited inclusion of the Latino racial/ethnic group in film and television; (2) stereotyping of Latino characters; (3)Latino leadership (or lack thereof) in mainstream media; (4) benefits of diversity and an increase in Latinos' employment; (5) current problems with diversity initiatives;(6) Latino consumer power; and (7) representation of Latinos in the online and new technologies sector."

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The key findings of the study results were as follows:

#1: Today, Latino talent in top movie and television programming is extremely limited (less than two percent) and not increasing at a rate near the rise of the U.S. Latino population.

#2: Latino men have disappeared as leading actors, though the percentage of Latinas and Afro-Latino actors is rising.

#3: There is a major lack of Latinos in key creative and leadership positions in mainstream media.

#4: Latino stereotypes are prevalent in mainstream media and they restrict opportunities for Latino talent, as well as the public perception of this racial/ethnic group.

#5: Latino representation is at its worst in the news media environment.

#6: Latino content and audiences actually expand viewership, and so these types of programs should be sought after and developed.

#7: Latinos can bring about change in media programming by using social media and the Internet.

#8: Latinos are key leaders and innovators in new media production.

So why is this study relevant to Latinitas?

Latinitas was created to give this important demographic of people an outlet to create their OWN representation of how they view themselves as well as how they want others to view them. By teaching young latinas about media and technology they are able to produce their own vision and in exchange not only have better self esteem but lead a healthier life knowing they have the power to change how they are viewed. It is obvious from this study that Latino representation in media is downright catastrophic, and something must be done. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sj-main/the-latino-media-gap-crisis_b_5604714.html

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cser/downloads/AdvancedExectutiveSummary.pdf

https://nacla.org/news/2014/6/19/latino-media-gap-conversation-frances-negr%C3%B3n-muntaner

History of Latinitas

When I was surfing through the Latinitas website, I came across the history of the organization and figured it was relative. I was curious where the idea and the need for this type of organization formed and I found a neatly organized timeline. To my surprise it all started as a student organization at the University of Texas at Austin, and in the 13 years that it has been around it is clear how much it has grown and become successful. Among its most prestigious awards is gaining sponsorships, participating in a national television program, winning numerous awards, and a partnership with AISD to host after school programs. Even though it started in Austin, Latinitas has grown to several states and continues to host workshops in a growing amount of cities all across the United States. This shows that what starts at UT really does change the world and makes me appreciate all that this organization has accomplished even more.

2002

• The vision of Latinitas was developed by a group of University of Texas at Austin students.
• Latinitas became an official student organization at the University.
• The Board of Directors were formed and Latinitas incorporated.

2003

• Latinitasmagazine.org was launched as first digital magazine for Hispanic girls.
• Latinitas launched an outreach campaign aimed at empowering Latina youth through media workshops at local schools and nonprofit groups.
• Ballet East became fiscal sponsor of Latinitas, allowing the agency to receive tax-exempt contributions.
• Latinitas held first fundraiser.
• Club Latinitas launched at Martin Middle School, AISD.

2004

• Latinitas hosted an anniversary party to honor a year of publication.
• Latinitasmagazine.org expanded to publish first digital magazine for Latina teens.
• Latinitas initiated a teen advisory board to provide feedback on the magazine.
• Latinitas started a teen reporter program to train aspiring Latina journalists.
• Latinitas partnered with Youth Encuentro to host first summer camp workshops.
• Latinitas began a series of Saturday Camps at the Pan Am Recreation Center.
• Latinitas was recognized as best group for inspiring journalist by Austin Chronicle

2005

• Latinitas hosted first Latinitasfest in a partnership with the Lone Star Girl Scout Council
• Latinitas staff and outreach participants were featured on the national television program American Latino, which focuses on Hispanic culture in the United States. The segment aired in nearly 100 cities nationwide, including Puerto Rico.
• Latinitas was the focus of a short documentary titled “Chispas: A Spark Within.”
• Latinitas was honored by the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as “La Luz de la Comunidad/ The Light of the Community” for community service.

2006

• Latinitas partnered with Austin Independent School District to host six after-school clubs
• Latinitas expanded as the a featured workshop presenter for the Massachusetts Conference for Women
• Latinitas was presented with a Certificate of Congratulations by City of Austin Mayor Will Wynn
• Latinitas expanded after school programming to seven campuses

2007

• Club Latinitas photography featured at Austin Children’s Museum gallery
• Latinitas launched after-school programs in Round Rock, TX
• Austin American Statesman published 2-page article on Latinitas by girls in Latinitas.
• Latinitas hired staff and acquired 501 c 3 status

2008

• Latinitas launched its own social network at MyLatinitas.com
• Latinitas expanded with a new headquarters in El Paso, TX
• After school club count jumped to over 20
• Latinitas featured as “Power Latinas” in Austin Woman Magazine (May)
• Latinitas Co-founder was honored as the Sor Juana Young Woman of Distinction
• Latinitas serves as host for youth program at the TX Conference for Women
• Saturday Camps kicked off in San Marcos, TX

2009

• Latinitas obtained a new office space
• Latinitas printed its first issue with the help of El Mundo newspaper
• Latinitas received a community service award from the SXSW Interactive Festival
• Latinitas Co-Founder was honored with an award by the National Hispana Leadership Institute
• Latinitas Co-Founder was recognized by the YWCA Woman of Distinction award
• Club Latinitas launched in Horizon, Texas
• Latinitas began offering workshops in New Mexico

2010

• Club Latinitas kicked off in Las Cruces, New Mexico
• Latinitas launched a Teen Leadership Institute

2012

• Latinitas launched the Youth Editorial Advisory Board
• Latinitas recognized as a Racial Justice Ambassador from the YWCA
• Latinitas hosted first workshop in Dallas, Texas

2013

• Latinitas publishes a glossy print edition of our magazine
• Latinitas honored as a Social Revolucion New Americano Award at SXSW Interactive

What is Latinitas?

MISSION: 
"Empowering Young Latinas Through Media & Technology"

VISION:
"Latinas become strong and confident leaders."

Summer and Spring Break Camps:

Registration for their summer camp is now open according to their website.

LATINITAS SUMMER CAMPS – AUSTIN,TX

LATINITAS AUSTIN is providing 4 weeks of camp through July this summer for ANY girl ages 9-14, 9am to 4pm daily, 8am drop off, at our new space: 4926 E. Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78702.

JULY 6 – 13- CINE CHICA – Having a fan base isn’t just for Hollywood anymore. In the Cine Chica camp, girls will learn how to write, cast, shoot and edit a film in a week while exploring topics such as women in cinema, portrayals of Latinas in film and what’s missing from movies today. Visits from directors, writers and established filmmakers and field trips to Austin’s film studios. 

JULY 13 – 17 – FASHION FORWARD – Can you spot trends? Have you been known to throw together an outfit from Goodwill that could make the cover of Vogue? Girls will do fashion writing, styling, photography, TV shows and more.  Visits from jewelry, clothing and other designers and field trips to Austin’s most chic fashion outlets. 

JULY 20 – 24 -TECH CHICA - Are you into video games or new technologies like websites and social media? This camp begins with storytelling, art and design and takes girls to the next level of video game development.  Activities include animation, coding and visits from designers, developers and animators. Field trips to video game development companies. 

JULY 27 – 31 – HEALTHY CHICA – Yoga, acupuncture, Zumba and meditation are just a few things on the menu for Latinitas Healthy Chica camp. Girls will use blogging, photography, video and other multimedia forms to explore healthy living choices.  

Club Latinitas:

We offer weekly after-school programs where girls can build confidence through creative multimedia expression.

Workshops:

Want Latinitas to present for your group? We make presentations for local groups to provide creative expression workshops for area youth. Our workshops focus on girl empowerment themes through media, cultural and technology lessons.