answer the questions and respond to two other students

Where do you believe we are?

Hey all, I hope you have enjoyed this week’s discussion about Latino/Chicano Theatre in America and more specifically here in Southern California. Your research into Latino playwrights, their work and pursuit of dynamic, important stories about cultural and societal issues has added to your working knowledge, familiarity and awareness of the current state of the so called “Latino American” experience here in Southern Ca. You have now listened to Mr. Valdez and his views on this topic as well as his inspirational words on the Power of Zero. (I know I was personally touched by his speech as an artist!)

It would be silly to deny the fact the we as southern Californians do not have an active relationship with these issues either personally in our own background and personal experience or abstractly either politically, socially, economically or even religiously.

My question for this week is this, Where do you believe we are now with respect to the integration of our broad understanding of “Latino” culture into our entertainment with T.V., film, theatre, and music?

We all have a relationship to these topics about immigration, cultural identity, “Americanism” and what that means. We have seen a change and an increased amount and quantity of Latino actors, Latino-centric themes and topics driving the dramatic intent and plots in television, film, theatre and in music but is this enough? Have we reached a reasonable balance that sufficiently reflects this culture? How might we do better in your opinion? Is this a regional question because we live in Southern California?

Make sure your first post post is a minimum 150 words – 10 points.

***Part two:

Make sure you respond to two other posts engaging as to what your thoughts are on the post they have written. 5 points each

First student response: (Kaven-L.)

Have we reached a reasonable balance that sufficiently reflects this culture? How might we do better in your opinion? Is this a regional question because we live in Southern California?

According is an expression that is typical of people of living in the United States, devotion to the U.S. and its customs and traditions. In my opinion, culture identity does not require the color of your skin. However, people generally, including myself are guilty of this type of behavior. I am not sure whether it is a bad notion, I believe it is how we were raised. American, especially Southern California is so diverse and rich in culture that I asking about a person’s ethnicity is normal and is based off curiosity. I grew up in East Los Angeles where the demographics were predominately Hispanic. Almost all of my friends were Mexican and through the friendships, cultural bridging occurred. I believe there is a strong balance which reflects the strength of the Latino community, we see it in our neighborhoods, restaurants, music, and traditions. Although Cinco de Mayo is considered to be a Mexican holiday, most American embrace the holiday as their own and so the culture tied with the tradition will be carried on to future generations. In terms of theatre, I believe the improvement can be made on the productions side. We do not see too many Hollywood producers or directors of Latino descent.

Second student response: (Dennis)

I believe that we have a pretty good integration of “Latino” culture into our entertainment with T.V., film, theatre, and music. I think a big part is where we’re located. California is geographically close to Latin America so there is going to be cultural influence. I noticed that when I travel to a different state there is less “Latino” cultural influence. However, because of technology we can get entertainment everywhere. I think this helps the spread of culture influence of different races and helps actors gain popularity, which helps the entertainment industry. Living in California for a while I feel like Latino culture is part of the American culture now. I think the increased of “Latino” themed entertainment is because people want more. It’s not successful just in California but throughout the world. I think the increase of Latino and other races is good because it shows how entertainment can bring all races and ethnicity together.