On My Block by

On My Block Series Trailer

bfhdt6zpj8 — 2025-02-08 19:52:05 UTC

The trailer for the series represents the commitment by the production team to make the series applicable to a wide audience. While this is a financially motivated decision, to make the series as successful as possible, it also serves to widen the perception of the narrative for mainstream audiences allowing for a greater representation of video media with reality.

Diverse casting from previous So Cal/LA based Chicano(a) storylines

bfhdt6zpj8 — 2025-02-08 19:55:53 UTC

Introducing BIPOC vulnerability in an “Inner-City” So Cal/LA based storyline and promoting the idea via meme

bfhdt6zpj8 — 2025-02-08 20:09:38 UTC

This meme helped to showcase how varied characters in LA/So Cal based Chicano(a) storylines can be. Previously the characters were stereotypical and narrow in the respect to the character’s range. While stereotypical tropes continue to exist in the series, it is attempting to make incremental changes for the benefit of future stories/ projects.

Increased Character Representation

bfhdt6zpj8 — 2025-02-09 13:36:20 UTC

It is nice to see a series that actively showcases Afro-Latino(a) characters. Most individuals in the United States have a “preset” socially ingrained image of what Latino(s) look like. I believe that is what makes this story so compelling to see an Afro-Latina not only present, but serving as the story’s main character.

Unity

bfhdt6zpj8 — 2025-02-09 17:48:57 UTC

This Instagram post very effectively showcased a critical feature commonly found in BIPOC communities, Latino communities in particular…..the unity of La Familia. Even if it’s an extended family.

Redefining the Ingénue

bfhdt6zpj8 — 2025-02-09 22:33:52 UTC

The series “On My Block” provided not only a reinterpretation of the optics of a Latina on screen, but redefined the role of an ingénue. No longer would the ingénue be dominated by individuals who express phenotypes that are of European origins. The ability for Afro-latinas to take leading roles in projects that would be observed by the mainstream is a definite step in the right direction of showcasing the wealth/variety of all Latino(a)s.

La Cultura is Watching

bfhdt6zpj8 — 2025-02-09 22:41:36 UTC

This meme perfectly expresses the impact the series has had for community members who so strongly relate to the storylines and the characters. A previously rare sight to see for a series to have a young BIPOC target audience.

Characters that look like me

bfhdt6zpj8 — 2025-02-09 22:51:01 UTC

As we can see the core group of characters vary considerably, from the traditional stereotypical tropes associated with friend groups in most film/episodical series. The group consists of individuals from different backgrounds and vary wildly in who they are as individuals, but the common theme is that though they are all different it is because of their differences that they maintain such strong bonds to one another within the group.

Representation Matters

bfhdt6zpj8 — 2025-02-09 22:59:36 UTC

This clip is a perfect example of how La Cultura is watching and responding to the decisions made by those in position of power in the entertainment industry. Choosing to “shop with our dollars” is a perfect way to voice our displeasure in an impactful manner.

Representation Revoked

bfhdt6zpj8 — 2025-02-09 23:08:43 UTC

In a not surprising manner the moment of representation for Latino(a)s has quickly faded. The glimmer of hope for representation amongst actors from varied backgrounds has appears to fade once again backstage. We as Latino(a)s must continue to use our voices and effectively leverage our dollars to support the societal outcomes we wish to see. We can achieve! ¡Si se puede!