Date of Award

5-10-2026

Date Published

June 2026

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

History

Advisor(s)

Gladys McCormick

Keywords

history;identity;Latinidad;Latino;race;television

Abstract

“As Seen on TV: Growing Influence of Latinidad in the United States” examines how Latinos increased their political power through television. Examining both English and Spanish language television programming and its business dealings from the 1970s to the 2010s uncovers an unexplored history of Latino activism. Cultural representations of Latinos on television caused Latinos to respond to these depictions through acts of protest, challenging television’s display of Latinidad. In this dissertation, Latinidad serves as a broad term to link Latin Americans living in the United States. It crosses ethnic identities, uniting them through similar elements of culture expression, language, attitudes, and actions that expand over time. Three phases of television’s portrayal of Latinidad emerge, formulated by television creators, networks, and Latino audiences. These three phrases serve two purposes, to show how Latinos power over English speaking television grew and, in turn, how English television’s display of Latinidad grew to be more inclusive. The first phase examines English television programs expression of Latinidad and reception by differing audiences. The second phase follows Latinos entering the marketplace as consumers, providing them a position of power to challenge portrayals of rather one-dimensional and stereotypical Latino characters on television. The third phase shows Latinos as producers, challenging the racialization of Latinos through including portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters. This look into television provides a new lens to examine how people see and react to the formation of their racial identity. Television also provides a lens of study that shows Latinos have constantly displayed their power over television’s displays of Latinidad.

Access

Open Access

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