[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 137 (Monday, September 17, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H10411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF MINORITIES IN THE MEDIA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Solis) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the contributions 
of minorities in the media and encourage greater media diversity.
  The past year marked a breakthrough for Latinos in the media. Just 
last night, America Ferrera won the Emmy award for best actress in a 
comedy series for her work on ABC's ``Ugly Betty.'' In her portrayal of 
Betty Suarez in ``Ugly Betty,'' Ms. Ferrera portrays an intelligent, 
caring young Latina professional trying to break into the field of 
publishing. Her character has a strong connection to her family, while 
at the same time she is dedicated to her work.
  America Ferrera is the daughter of Honduran immigrants. Through her 
work on ``Ugly Betty'' and in films, including ``Real Women Have 
Curves,'' she is a role model for many young Latinas and women of color 
everywhere.
  We need to improve the image of American Latinos and Latinas as 
portrayed by the media. We can do this by increasing the number of 
American Latinos employed in all facets of the media industry.
  ``Ugly Betty'' is one of the few programs on broadcast television 
that portrays a Latino family and main characters. The show has waded 
into tough issues like immigration by portraying the struggle of 
Betty's father to successfully navigate the immigration process.
  In describing her Emmy last night, America Ferrera said the win, 
``Symbolizes the wonderful blessings of the past year. I am so happy 
and humble to be on a show that is not only fun, but is making a 
difference and inspiring people and changing the way we look at 
prejudice and diversity.''
  Other Latinos also have important roles to play as well in the media. 
Characters such as Dr. Callie Torres, portrayed by Sara Ramirez on 
``Grey's Anatomy,'' and Gabrielle Solis, portrayed by Eva Longoria on 
``Desperate Housewives,'' portray dynamic Latinas in television.
  Behind the scenes, Selma Hayek, a premier actress herself, is also 
producer of the ``Ugly Betty'' show. Another new program called 
``Cane,'' featuring a Latino family in Florida involved in the sugar 
business, is premiering this fall on CBS.
  This is important because the characters that Americans see on 
television can help shape their view of the world and attitudes toward 
different groups of different backgrounds. In fact, 40 percent of 
American youth ages 19 and under are children of color, and very few of 
those faces that we see on television actually represent the races and 
cultural heritage here in America.
  With increasing positive portrayals of minorities and programs, 
television can reflect a broader majority of hardworking American 
families, families that are indeed diverse. We should not stifle 
diversity of voices in the news and entertainment that consumers see, 
hear and read. The success of programs like ``Ugly Betty'' and the 
recognition of actresses like America Ferrera show that the American 
public is paying attention and wants to see more quality and diverse 
programming.
  In this new and exciting time, minority performers and programs are 
not only increasing, but are also being honored. I look forward to 
working with my colleagues and the FCC and media companies to promote 
diversity in the media.
  Again, I want to congratulate America Ferrera on her Emmy win and 
commend America and everyone on the cast of ``Ugly Betty'' for breaking 
down those stereotypes of Latinas. I hope that this is one of the first 
in a long line of successes for minority performers and that programs 
that retain positive minority characters will flourish. Working 
together, we can provide diversity, promote it, and have a better 
understanding here in our country.

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