El Frito Bandito: Rural Iowa, Halloween Costumes, and Discrimination

• In Event: Raising the Razor Wire Wall Still Higher: De(de)monizing Images of Latinas/Latinos in North America

Abstract

The rural areas of the Midwest United States have long been relatively homogenous in terms of race, but have firmly and vociferously divided themselves among ethnic groups based on differing European heritage lines. As increasing numbers of Latino immigrants move to the Midwest to work in agriculture, these small rural towns have been forced to confront issues that cause them to rethink their personal and community identities. Recently, one small town found itself engaged in an online debate that unfolded in front of interested eyes all over the country. Photos of the community’s school board president dressed as a “drunken Mexican” with a poncho, sombrero, shoulder bandoliers, shot loops, and shot glasses, were posted on Facebook. Several community members took issue with this, claiming that these images demeaned the Latino community. Others argued that these images were simply free expression, and certainly were not racist. Using critical discourse analysis, this paper will examine the framing of the various debates as insiders and outsiders to the community attempt to control the identities ascribed.

Author

• Mara K. Berkland, North Central College