Berg

INTRODUCTION

ORIGINS OF THIS STUDY

• The University of Texas at Austin serves as an orientation center for the Fulbright Scholars Program, welcoming foreign graduate students who come to study U.S. higher education and American culture.

• The author has lectured to these students about Latino representation in Hollywood movies, presenting concepts and stereotypes.

• In 1988, during a lecture session, the author prompted the students to define the stereotype of the Mexican bandit or "el bandido."

  • The common description included details such as:

  • Dark, sweaty, unshaven face (e.g., scar and gold tooth