Assignment 19 - Stereotypes, the Silent Era and Greaser Films and the Mexican Spitfire

Note: Part of the history of the depiction of Hispanics in movies in the United States has been one where the Hispanic is often a streotypical character who portrays the Hispanic in a bad light. These questions review some of those stereotypes.

Part I: Examine the seven stereotypical designations of Hispanics listed in the chapter. Are they still true today?

Part II: Examine Appendix 1 and see how many Greaser Genre films you can find. Please comment on your feelings about this and go back to the work of the Idar family to gain a perspective about the outrage these movies caused. In addition, do Greaser Films still exist and, if so, how have they evolved.

Part III: Please review the role ofLupe Vélez and the Mexican Spitfire stereotype that has been attributed to her success. Does that stereotype still survive? If so, show how and which actress are keeping this alive.?

Part IV : The Silent Era seemed to have a solid share of Hispanic actors, from Latin Lovers to beautiful senoritas. Why do you think this was so if there was so much discrimination? Identify some of the early actors, study their bios in the text or elsewhere and see if you can find some common themes in their lives. Keep it short.