Current
Research Interests
This past
summer I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Shelli Fowler to
conduct research entitled "I Ordered Social Justice and They Gave
Me Ricky Martin: Exploring Issues of Cultural Appropriation Within
the ÒLatin ExplosionÓ Context." I presented my work at the
2nd annual Washington State University McNair Research Symposium
and the 10th annual Ronald E. McNair National Research Conference.
I hope to also present at the NACCS conference in spring 2002.
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to understand teenage perceptions
of Latino/a's and how these perceptions are shaped by popular
culture within the context of the ÒLatin ExplosionÓ. Part
of the research tries to understand how the recent
increase of Latino/a media presence is perceived by both Anglo
and Chicano/Latino youth. With the use of a survey, the research
explores the
different interpretations of Latino/a media images. We explore
whether the Latin Explosion is evidence of a more inclusive society
or an attempt capitalize on the image of Latino/a entertainers.
