Federico Subervi, Ph.D.,
Professor, School of Journalism & Mass Communication
Texas State University-San Marcos
Director of Latinos and Media Project

MAC editor, Darlene Lee, caught up with Federico Subervi, MAC member and author, to talk about his new thought provoking book “The Mass Media and Latino Politics: Studies of U.S.Media Content, Campaign Strategies and Survey Research: 1984-2004.” The political climate right now is very exciting and each candidate provides an account of their ability to handle the presidential responsibility. Barack Obama, the first African American male Democratic frontrunner, polarizes the nation with his message of change and experience. Hllary Clinton, the first female Democratic frontrunner, details her 35 years of governmental experience. History is definitely in the making for these two presidential hopefuls. On the Republican side of the fence, John McCain contends his military experience trumps both Democratic contenders. But, not so fast, the media has touted the Latino vote as the decisive factor as to who will be the next Commander-in-Chief. Federico discusses his new book, the Latino vote and the upcoming presidential elections. 

Darlene: Your new book The Mass Media and Latino Politics: Studies of U.S. Media Content, Campaign Strategies and Survey Research: 1984-2004, is very timely. Why was it important for you to write this book?
Federico: An in-depth and historical examination of the relationships between the mass media –in English and in Spanish– and U.S. Latino politics had not been presented in any academic book prior to this one. And although I am the main author and editor of this work, it has been made possible only thanks to the collaboration of many contributors who wrote their own chapters or helped me write some of the 17 chapters of the book.
Darlene: How do you envision the book benefiting its readers?
Federico: This book serves as a benchmark for what will certainly be many more studies of the role of the media in Latino political life in the U.S. The comprehensive literature review, the theoretical and methodological foundations discussed, the actual studies of media content, communication strategies, and survey research, plus the suggestions for future studies in this arena all pave the way for next generation of explorations and analyses of media, politics, and Latinos.
Darlene: The media have reported that the Latino vote could be the deciding factor as to who wins the 2008 presidential election. Why does the Latino vote play a central role in the 2008 election?
Federico: While there are predictions on the impact of the Latino vote (or for that matter of the vote of other segments of society) in the November election, I would say it is premature to confirm that. The impact of Latino voters Read the rest of this entry »

Ethnic Pride Comes to Life in the Pages of the Press
March 17 – May 16

Korean Quarterly
Exhibit Poster

   Looking to take a walk on the culture side? The University of Connecticut offers an exciting cultural exhibit that is sure to peak your interests. The exhibit “Ethnic American Press: Cultural Maintenance and Assimilation Roles” is on display March 17 through May 16, 2008, at the Dodd Research Center Gallery. 
   The ethnic American press has played a significant role in American journalism from the 1800s through the present. This exhibit presents an array of ethnic American newspapers from 1969 to 2008, featuring selections from the Alternative Press Collection at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center and the personal collection of Dr. Diana I. Rios, associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and the Institute for Puerto Rican and Latino Studies at the University of Connecticut.          
   The newspapers in this exhibit showcase a range of ethnic media, including newspapers in various languages serving immigrants and Americans of a particular cultural heritage. English-language materials in the exhibit demonstrate cultural pride and cover news stories pertaining to ethnic and racial minorities which the mainstream media in the United States does not always convey. Muslim and Jewish presses are also included in the exhibit. The usage of heritage language and the focus on stories that support the ethnic/cultural group are all part of a cultural maintenance media process in the United States.
   Ethnic presses provide space for the assertion of identity distinct from mainstream American culture. The unique content within these newspapers can support the nurturing goals of the ethnic group, which may be otherwise marginalized within American society, and thus be part of a cultural maintenance process. Yet, other types of content in ethnic presses, such as success stories of attaining the American Dream, can support assimilationist ideals. Ethnic press publications provide community information and advertisements from businesses owned and operated by racial, ethnic, and religious minorities to promote their services to others. Ethnic publications provide unique information and analysis that mainstream newspapers are not equipped to provide or are uninterested in reporting, and assist non-English speakers in overcoming barriers of culture and language.  Visit http://www.lib.uconn.edu/ for more information. 
   Diana Rios is a former MAC Head and currently chairs the Elected Committee on Teaching Standards.