Latin Identities
Heidi Lopez
Latinos are the largest and youngest minority group in the United States. Making up nearly twenty percent of all U.S. students enrolled in degree-granting postsecondary institutions. Despite being a growing minority, these students often feel overlooked and ignored within Predominantly White Institutions. The stories presented in news media, TV, and film often portray stereotypes that misrepresent the Latinx experience in the US. Growing up in a society where whiteness is the default, the standard makes students feel othered. My work analyzes the experience of Latin American students in art and design universities by telling the stories of how media, their environments, and the lack of representation affect their sense of belonging.
The Chosen
One of three videos from the “Testimonial Series”. Narration from Pratt Student Carly Tagen-Dye expressing her guilt about being adopted by Americans from Guatemala. Audio taken from individual interview discussion dual-identity being Latin American but being taught to act the white way.
A Moment for Me
A reflective journey created as a cultural probe given to three participants during my research phase for my thesis. The journal includes questions that revolve around each participant's view of themselves, how the world sees them and if the lack of Latin representation resulted in their fractured identities.Me vs. Me
Two of three videos from the “Testimonial Series”. Narration from Pratt Student Guillermo Garza discussing the constant comparison he felt between himself and other white students in class. The idea of assimilation became the root of his inner resentment of Mexican culture, due to the fear of being alienated if acted upon it. Not wanting to be othered because of his cultural background.
The Untold Stories of People Like Me
Capstone book created that includes personal testimonies from three profiled Pratt students, Carly Tagen-Dye, Guillermo Garza, and Naihra Garavelo who share Latin American roots. Themes of dual-identity, repressed emotions, self-realization, traumatic memories, microaggressions, and self-acceptance are discussed and discovered within the book. This is a vessel of open dialogue for individuals who share similar experiences to come to terms with their emotional journey of identity.Microaggressions #1
Three of three videos from the “Testimonial Series”. Narration from Pratt Student Carly Tagen-Dye discussing a recalled memory, where teachers from her elementary school nicknamed her Dora based on physical appearance. Not thinking about the comment much until she was much older. Carly realized that what she experienced was a microaggression at such a young age. This recalled memory helped her dig into repressed emotions to understand she experienced microaggressions many times.
Highlight page of The Untold Stories of People Like Me capstone book.
Spread taken from Guillermo Garza’s testimonial section within the book. This page discusses his background and life growing up in Texas. Shying away from his Mexican heritage because of the environment he was raised in. His state of mind was conditioned to a certain extent because of the societal influence he learned and adapted to. Now living in New York, he has been able to step out of his constructed bubble and relearn who he is while also embracing his Mexican culture.