Media Representations of Latina/os and Latino Students' Stereotype Threat Behavior

Abstract

This study explores how media representations of Latina/os and the level of ethnic identification of Latino (male) students influence how Latino college students at a predominantly White university interpret these media representations and the role they play when interacting with non-Latina/o students. Findings from in-depth interviews with Latino students reveal that Latinos who strongly identify with their Latina/o heritage (high-identifying) are likely to believe that non-Latina/o students view them through the lens of stereotypical media representations of Latina/os, and to consciously change their behavior in the presence of non-Latina/o students in an attempt to counter these stereotypes. On the other hand, Latinos who do not strongly identify with their Latina/o heritage (low-identifying) do not believe that other students associate them with media stereotypes and do not feel the need to change their behavior when interacting with non-Latina/o students. Findings suggest that media images of Latina/os influence the college experiences of high-identifying Latino students, while the same images do not influence the experiences of low-identifying Latino students. It discusses the relationships between media images and stereotype threat behavior and proposes recommendations universities can implement to enhance the experiences of these students.