2023 LDC White Paper: The Implications of the Terms POC and BIPOC on U.S. Latino Media Participation

This groundbreaking research challenges the use of umbrella terms such as POC and BIPOC in the context of U.S. Latino media participation. The report reveals that these terms contribute to the erasure of U.S. Latinos, obscuring the stark disparity between their underrepresentation in English-language media and their demographic significance. By subsuming U.S. Latinos into these broad categories, opportunities and resources are diverted away, hindering recognition of their contributions to society, culture, and the economy. Despite being a vital force in the U.S., with a GDP of $3.2 trillion in 2021, Latinos face a mere 6% on-screen representation in English-language media, highlighting the urgent need for accurate segmentation. This white paper emphasizes the detrimental impact of overlooking the unique value and distinctiveness of U.S. Latinos, urging a shift towards independent analysis for a more equitable and comprehensive understanding of media representation.