Latino Studies

This informative series looks at a variety of issues concerning the Latino cultures in America, including the size and history of different Hispanic populations and the effects of current U.S. immigration laws. The programs examine Latino identity in both thriving urban neighborhoods and isolated rural towns and feature a host of prominent figures in the greater Hispanic community. 2-part series, 30 minutes each.

Arturo Madrid's ancestors made a home on American soil before the Mayflower arrived, but strangers still ask him, And where are you from?" Weary of always being perceived as "the other," he has devoted himself to challenging the stereotypes that keep Hispanics outside the American mainstream. Madrid is a teacher and president of the Tomas Rivera Center, where he focuses on issues and policies affecting the Latino community. In this program with Bill Moyers, he discusses the controversy surrounding bilingual education and the state of education, in general, for Hispanic people. (30 minutes)"

Reports from reputable medical sources reveal a statistical correlation between healthcare issues and poor academic performance in Hispanic communities nationwide. In this program, the National Council of La Raza's Raul Yzaguirre, former Surgeon General David Satcher, the Hispanic Dental Association's Nelson Artiga, and other experts address the pervasive health concerns-most notably dental problems and pediatric obesity-and insufficient access to healthcare that plague America's Hispanic population, significantly undermining Latino children's education as well as long-term well-being. Health initiatives in California, Texas, Florida, and New York are featured, along with case studies from those states. (58 minutes)

Anglo-Americans tend to lump Hispanics together, forgetting that the category covers a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Mexican culture is different from Puerto Rican culture, and so on. In this program, three Hispanic Americans-New York Justice Frank Torres, a Puerto Rican; Cuban-born former Miami mayor Xavier Suarez; and Mexican restaurateur Gordino Velasco-discuss what unites and divides the various groups. The Puerto Rican perception of themselves as voting residents of a U.S. commonwealth is compared to the first-generation Cuban perception of themselves as Cuban citizens in exile. Velasco discusses problems related to Mexican immigration in California. Journalist Felipe Luciano stresses the importance of voting as a means of achieving common political goals. Hosted by actor Hector Elizondo. (44 minutes)

Hosted by actor Jimmy Smits, this program examines how second-generation Hispanics are adapting to American society, and how they are maintaining their Latino roots while assimilating into the American cultural mainstream. A variety of famous and everyday Hispanic Americans are interviewed, including pop film director Richard Rodriquez. Hispanics from doctors and police officers to comedians, fashion designers, and rock stars discuss the continuing role of family, and the ongoing battles with ethnic stereotyping. (44 minutes)

Education is intrinsic to success in our society. But for members of Hispanic groups, good education may be hard to come by, because of either language barriers or under-performing schools. This program, hosted by actor Edward James Olmos, examines how Hispanic American children are faring in the educational system, with an emphasis on bilingual education. Two such programs in California and in New York are examined; students and teachers evaluate their effectiveness. (44 minutes)

In this program, Geraldo Rivera and a host of Hispanic American executives discuss how they overcame racial and financial discrimination to turn their fledgling businesses into million-dollar corporations. The executives include construction mogul Linda Alvarado, owner of the Colorado Rockies baseball team; the developer of the Simpsons and Garfield cartoon programs; the owner of Dial-a-Mattress; and others. Executives from Chase Manhattan Bank speak candidly about the practice of loan discrimination against Hispanic minorities. Measures being taken to counter inequities are examined. Hosted by actor Hector Elizondo. (44 minutes)

From news anchors to editors, from actors to filmmakers-Hispanics are making their presence known. Discrimination still exists, however. In this program, Hispanics who have made it describe how they did it, the problems they encountered along the way, and the hurdles that remain. Those interviewed include Geraldo Rivera, Academy Award-winning director Moctesuma Esparza, and Clint Eastwood producer David Valdez. Actors Rita Moreno, Elizabeth Pena, Jimmy Smits, and Isiah Morales examine why Hispanic actors are still relegated to marginal roles, while MTV producer Robert Friedman discusses growth potential in the ever-expanding Hispanic media marketplace. (44 minutes)

Though Hispanic people journey to the United States from different homelands, do they all share the same heritage and concerns? This program takes a detailed look at the fastest-growing minority in the U.S. and what it means to be Latino and American. The documentary contrasts the experience of being a Latino in a flourishing ethnic neighborhood of a big city with living in a small town, where many Latinos feel isolated. Interviews with individuals stepping up to the roles of leadership in the Hispanic community cover a large spectrum of subjects, including social services, churches, business, and the arts. (30 minutes)

Drawing on interviews with more than fifty major personalities from a broad cross-section of disciplines, this tour de force both analyzes and celebrates the growing influence of Latino culture in the U.S. Featured guests include artist Andres Serrano, poet Pedro Pietri, composer Luis Dias, dancer Paloma Herrera, actor Guillermo Diaz, fashion designer Willey Esco, photographer Mariluz Gordillo, radio host Paco de Radio Mega, TV producer Gamelier de Jesus, Newsweek editor Veronica Chambers, and Washington Post journalist Jaime Manrique, who share their personal and professional experiences of being of Latino descent in America today. (Mostly Spanish with English subtitles, 2 hours)

Ernie Cortes isn't a business tycoon and he hasn't been elected to public office, but a Texas business magazine named him one of the five most powerful Texans, along with people like H. Ross Perot. Ernie Cortes' influence, though, reaches beyond Texas and he has been called the most effective Latino grassroots organizer in the country today." He is a man who empowers, a member of the national staff of the Industrial Areas Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps "ordinary" people organize to make positive changes in their communities. In his home state of Texas, he teaches citizens to take on issues that matter to them: water and sewer systems, roads, education, worker safety, and health care. In this program with Bill Moyers, Cortes discusses individual participation in American politics and highlights the importance of agitation, confrontation, and compromise in the discourse of democracy. (50 minutes)"

Most Americans engage in retail therapy" from time to time, but what form does it take among immigrant populations? Is excessive shopping a way of coming to grips with a new culture-and leaving another behind? This program examines that possibility in the context of the Latino community, raising provocative questions about cultural identity, consumerism, and assimilation. Ten first-generation immigrants from various Latin American countries-including Mexico, El Salvador, Venezuela, and Peru-share their thoughts and experiences, shedding light on the transition from impoverished environs to the wealthiest and most extravagant society in the world. (Spanish with English subtitles, 30 minutes)"

Latino culture is celebrated for its rich traditions, close-knit families, and strong faith, but being Latino and gay, bisexual, or transgender is often seen as unforgivable. This documentary examines the lives of six Latino GBT men and women, focusing on their relationships with their families as well as their culture, religion, and professional lives. Subjects include Gus and Marcelo, a driven young Mexican couple; Gabriela, once a boy, now trying to prove she is worthy of acceptance as a woman; Ernesto, a Venezuelan struggling for a way to tell his family he's bisexual and HIV-positive; and David, a Colombian burying his past in Manhattan life. In addition, the film's host-a young, gay, Latino man from Chicago named Moises-provides incisive commentary. Includes a viewable/printable discussion and resource guide. (Portions in Spanish with English subtitles, 34 minutes)

The gay, bisexual, and transgender community still struggles to find its place among the rich traditions of Latino culture. This extended documentary examines the lives of seven Latino GBT men and women, offering profound insights into their relationships with family and loved ones while exploring their sexuality in the contexts of culture, religion, and work. This version offers more in-depth material than the 34-minute edition (item #39229) and features a greater number of on-camera participants. Subjects include Gus and Marcelo, a young couple; Oscar, a dancer and choreographer; Gabriela, once a boy, now a woman; Ernesto, an HIV-positive bisexual; and David, a burdened New Yorker. In addition, the film's host-Dusty, a Panamanian social activist-interweaves these stories with his own wise commentary. (Portions in Spanish with English subtitles, 70 minutes)

Recent U.S. Census figures provide dramatic testimony to the growth of the Latino population. This program looks at the Three Houses of Latino Culture"-Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Mexican-American-and their widespread influence from entertainment to politics to economics. Key issues include how long Hispanics have been in America and how U.S. immigration laws affect their assimilation. Interviews with Latino community leaders-university presidents, professors, artists, doctors, CEOs, bishops, and ministers-bring home the diversity and achievement of this rapidly expanding segment of the American populace. (30 minutes)"