Stereotyped Identification: How Identifying With Fictional Latina Characters Increases Acceptance and Stereotyping

• In Event: Ethnicity and Race in Communication: Top Papers

Abstract

This paper explicates and expands upon the concept of stereotyped identification—the idea that cognitively and emotionally identifying with fictional minority characters can simultaneously increase acceptance of minorities, while reinforcing stereotypes about how they look, act, and talk. We then apply stereotyped identification to the context of Latina television characters. Study 1 provides a content analysis of Latina characters on primetime fictional television shows. Study 2 is a national survey measuring participants’ exposure to Latina TV characters, levels of identification with TV characters, and attitudes towards, and stereotypes about, Latinas. Results are consistent with the prediction that through identification, exposure to Latina TV characters is related to more favorable feelings toward, as well as higher levels of stereotypes about, Latinas.

Authors

• Bryan McLaughlin, Texas Tech U

• Nathian Shae Rodriguez, San Diego State U

• Jobi Martinez, Texas Tech U