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The Evolution of Disney’s Latino Representation in Light of ‘Primos’ Release
In recent years, Disney has made commendable strides toward diversity and representation in its animated content, particularly in portraying Latino characters and stories. However, the road to positive representation has not been without its share of controversies. The upcoming Disney series Primos has come under fire for perpetuating racial stereotypes, raising concerns about Disney’s commitment to authentic and respectful portrayals of the Latino community.
The conversation surrounding the forthcoming Disney series Primos broke out as soon as it was announced, especially in Mexico and other Latin American countries. The story centers on Tater Ramírez Humphrey, an eccentric 10-year-old girl of Mexican descent, who discovers her true self with the help of her 12 chaotic cousins who move in with her for the summer. The series presents Tater’s aspirations and imagination through her diary, which is turned into narrative animation sequences within the show.
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The characters live in Terremoto Heights, and the sepia-toned trailer, typical of American cinema, gives the impression of desolation, extreme heat, and poverty. The cousins in question sport generic names like ‘Nacho,’ ‘Anita,’ ‘Gordita,’ and ‘Cookita,’ who all live under one roof, a stereotype of Mexican families.
Disney en Oye Primos pic.twitter.com/2whHi6j4mG
— Mr.potato (@Mrpotato578) June 16, 2023
The name ‘Cookita’ is an entire controversy on its own, as the pronunciation sounds like the diminutive of ‘Cuca,’ a slang term meaning vagina in countries like Colombia. On the other hand, in the theme song, the characters can be heard saying ‘oye, primos,’ which is grammatically incorrect, as it should be ‘oigan, primos’ (plural) or ‘oye, primo,’ (singular).
Video repost: pic.twitter.com/zdMZh63Lgd
— Disney Animation Promos (@DisneyAPromos) June 14, 2023
Natasha Kline, the creator of the series, explained that the inspiration for the series comes from her own childhood experiences in a multicultural Mexican-American family. Although some people have defended the series and consider it representative of certain Latin American experiences, others have openly expressed their discontent.
The Best Latino Disney Movies and TV Shows
One of Disney’s most significant milestones in Latino representation came with the release of the animated film “Coco” in 2017. This heartwarming tale took audiences on a vibrant journey through Mexican traditions, folklore, and the celebration of Día de los Muertos. “Coco” demonstrated a deep respect for Mexican culture, and its success at the box office showed that audiences were hungry for diverse storytelling that embraced and celebrated different cultures.
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Following the success of “Coco,” Disney continued its exploration of Latin American cultures with “Encanto” in 2021. Set in Colombia, the film introduced audiences to the magical Madrigal family, showcasing the country’s diverse landscapes, music, and traditions. “Encanto” celebrated the strength of familial bonds and encouraged viewers to embrace their unique talents and identities.
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Disney’s commitment to Latino representation extended beyond films with the groundbreaking television series “Elena of Avalor.” This animated show featured Disney’s first Latina princess, Elena, and immersed viewers in a richly diverse fantasy world inspired by various Latin American cultures. “Elena of Avalor” emphasized themes of leadership, courage, and cultural pride, resonating with young audiences and serving as a role model for representation on screen.
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In the widely acclaimed “The Book of Life” (2014), produced by Guillermo del Toro, Disney showcased Mexican culture through a visually stunning and heartwarming story. The film celebrates the Day of the Dead while exploring themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery.
Other Noteworthy Characters and Films: In addition to the ones mentioned above, other animation studios have also introduced various memorable Latino characters in their films. These include characters like Miguel and Tulio from Dreamworks’ “The Road to El Dorado” and Roberto from Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox’s “Rio,” which showcased the diversity of Latin American backgrounds and brought authentic representation to the forefront.
Also Read: Iconic Animated Pop Culture Icons that are Latine
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