Multiculturalism in spanish classes

We were asked this question recently at ACTFL: Why are there not more people of color on Spanish TV? I wish we could answer this easily, but not unlike American TV and film, there is definitely not a great diversity of peoples shown on TV. 

We did recently come across a few diverse music videos we'd love to share with you for your own classes. Music seems to be the only industry that truly shows the Spanish speaking world as is, so as teachers we all seem to embrace it. And everyone loves music. One video we are really into right now is Sofia by Alvaro Soler filmed in La Habana, Cuba. The dancing is amazing! (Be careful to preview Sofia before you show it in your classes as there is a little bit of daring dancing and clothing.) Though not quite as diverse as Sofia, we also really like  Robarte un beso (so cute). Here in Southern California we not only enjoy our Taco Tuesdays after school with colleagues, but we really like Miércoles de música in Spanish classes. My first Miércoles de música experiences were in Sevilla, at la Universidad de Sevilla. My own students love fan Humberto Contreras's posts for Just Dance in Spanish. We often use this as a break in a long block! Though Daddy Yankee's videos are diverse they are not really always appropriate for the classroom so Just Dance is helpful. Check out a lot of great teachers on Pinterest in their Wednesday music activities, though the title of the day varies.

We also came across a multi-cultural Venezuelan youth telenovela from 2009 online called Amor urbano on YouTube. You may want to show some snippets to your students. (Be sure to preview it for yourselves.) There are a few other shows featuring  characters of color, though not many. As we find them and preview them, we will make you aware. There are a few new series coming out from Latin America with diverse characters, for 2018. We will update you.

Latina beauty brands do offer more of an array of products that consider diversity. We recently read on Apple News that "Latina entrepreneurs have undoubtedly been on the rise. Time reported in 2016 there’s been a 137 percent increase in Latina-owned businesses, a larger rise than in any other demographic in the U.S. Chicas also seem to be cornering the market on creating quality beauty brands, having founded cosmetic lines that have received recognition and made a lasting impression on the beauty world with their inclusive shades and innovative products." We also found Melt cosmetics owned by a young Mexican-American woman and offering a multi-cultural array of shades. Your students may want to read up on her as she apparently is the make-up guru for Rihanna. Here is an article on NBC news.

EduNovela.com has invited a guest blogger,  Jenniffer Whyte to join us.
​Jenniffer is a native Dominican
high school teacher who grew up in New York and Miami. She teaches Spanish in Anniston, Alabama at
The Donoho School. We can't wait to see what exciting topics she will bring to the blog.
Jenniffer is a frequent presenter on adding more genuine multi-culturalism to Spanish classes. Feel free
​to post questions for her as well. 

Welcome, Jenniffer!
The EduNovela.com Team

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