Analysis Of Framing Latinas: Hispanic Women Through The Lens Of News Media

In the research study “Framing Latinas: Hispanic Women Through the Lens of News Media, the authors set out to determine whether the media’s tendency to stereotype minority groups, specifically Latina, is due to a weak identification with them. To do so, they analyzed two distinct news sources, an english-language newspaper, the Miami Herald, and a spanish-language newspaper, El Nuevo Herald. Presented with both newspapers, the research showed clear, stereotypical framing despite one newspaper being more closely tied to the individuals. The Miami Herald emphasized the individual achievements of successful Latinas, and highlighted the status of being the first who broke the barriers. The english-language newspaper also frequently used the attractive consumer frame, describing Latinas as a new and profitable market niche, specifically in the beauty and entertainment industries. Using what the researcher’s refer to as the affirmative action frame, the Miami Herald also described Latinas as a minority group in need of attention from non-governmental organizations and governmental agencies. Finally, the newspaper organized other stories around the oppression frame, the idea that Latinas are sexually, politically, and economically oppressed.

Used more frequently than seen by the Miami Herald, the spanish-speaking newspaper also framed stories around oppression, emphasizing Latinas as victims hampered by adverse conditions. The final two framing devices are drastically different from the english-speaking newspaper. For example, the family devotion frame manifests that family is the first priority for Hispanic women. Lastly, El Nuevo Herald stereotypically portrayed latinas as overly