Are Latinos becoming the new whites, and what role does politics play in this ideological shift? We talk to Political psychologist Efren Perez, a UCLA Professor of Political Science and Psychology, who holds a PhD from Duke University. His research focuses on race, ethnicity, politics, and society. He recently wrote an article in Newsweek titled "Why the Politics of Republican Latinos Suggests They Want to be White." In it, he argues that some Latinos view whiteness not as a race but as an ideology associated with power, privilege, and dominance. In this episode, Professor Perez uses data and scientific analysis to explore the psychological and political factors that drive some Latinos to aspire to "whiteness." Is it a survival mechanism or is it status-seeking? What are the long-term implications of this negotiation of identity? This episode's discussion promises to challenge everything you thought you knew about Latino identity in the U.S. Episode Summary: Perez on his recent Newsweek article and the concept of "ideological whiteness." Exploring Latino identity and the political landscape. Impact of personality traits on political ideology among Latinos. Latino Republicans and their alignment with conservative ideologies. Discussion on how historical shifts have redefined racial categories. Potential future of Latino identity and politics in the U.S. Key Quotes: ❞ Efren on the potential transformation of Latino identity through political allegiances: "Are you going to say, “I can acknowledge that's my social position, but in order for me to get something better, I got to distance myself from these other groups?” Efren on the interplay between internal group dynamics and external political pressures: "We've been talking about Latinos and African Americans and other groups as if they sort of naturally belong together. They don't." Efren on the Political Shifts in Latino Identity "The main point is that the category of white has expanded and narrowed across the centuries. And we are living in a moment, awash in data where we can show you that it's going through expansion right now." Efren on Racial and Political Dynamics “Quit focusing on the outliers, visible as they may be, tempting as it may be, and focus your energy on organizing, mobilizing the two-thirds that are already convinced, but don't have the time to vote, don't have the time or resources to make their perspective felt." Subscribe and listen to 'Brown & Black': 🎧  Spotify: https://spoti.fi/47JgORF Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2uwVWk2 Follow us: 📱 https://www.instagram.com/brownblackpodcast https://www.instagram.com/jackrico https://www.instagram.com/iammikeonscreen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sheila E broke barriers as both a talented percussionist and an Afro-Latina artist. In this episode, she reveals the personal motivations behind creating her first salsa album now, "Bailar," and explores her relationship with Latin music and identity. Her answers offer a unique window into the challenges and triumphs of embracing heritage and language through music. She also discusses how personal this salsa album was to her as a way to connect with her father, Latin jazz artist Pete Escovedo. This project was a challenge as she doesn't speak Spanish, but she was determined to share her passion for salsa with the world and inspire the younger generation to learn about this important genre in Latin music history. Episode Summary: Sheila E.'s inspiration for her first salsa album Salsa's legacy and Sheila E.'s Afro-Latina identity Challenges in creating Sheila E.'s salsa album Sheila E.'s learning process while making the album Personal significance of salsa for Sheila E. Sheila E.'s Hollywood Walk of Fame star Sheila E.'s collaborations with Gloria Estefan The future of salsa and Sheila E.'s role in it Subscribe and listen to 'Brown & Black': 🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/47JgORF Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2uwVWk2 Follow us: 📱 https://www.instagram.com/brownblackpodcast https://www.instagram.com/jackrico https://www.instagram.com/iammikeonscreen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In tribute to the life and career of legendary actor Louis Gossett Jr., we are re-airing our 2020 interview with him regarding his role as Luis Garcia in 'The Cuban'. In this conversation, Mr. Gossett Jr. shared his insights on embracing international cultures and his love for Cuba. 'The Cuban', where Gossett plays a Cuban jazz musician in a nursing home with dementia. The episode explores the sensitivity around the importance of cultural representation in film, and the unification of Brown and Black communities in art and society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Jack have an in-depth discussion with a claimed Afro Cuban singer Daymé Arocena about her new album Alkemi, she opens up about her struggles as a black Latina woman in this industry, how we perceive black skin, how we perceive Latina women with black skin, body image in the pop music industry and how has that all impacted and Influenced the way she sees herself as an artist. What kind of reclamation does a black Latina woman in the music industry today have to go through? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, progress vs. preservation. We discuss the alarming white backlash targeting Latino interns and how AI is impacting the film industry and creators of color. We explore how these two stories set the stage for a broader debate on diversity in the digital age. The Smithsonian Latino Museum is being sued for its pro-Latino internship program designed to increase Latino representation. What other Latino programs are next? We discuss why they are the latest target in a growing wave of racial backlash. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/02/23/smithsonian-latino-diversity-lawsuit/ Tyler Perry paused an $800 million investment due to advancements in OpenAI's Sora, raising concerns that traditional creative jobs could become obsolete. If workforces of color are displaced by AI, could we be creating "the new poor," a new class of permanently unemployed? https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/tyler-perry-ai-alarm-1235833276/ Episode Summary [04:00]: Edward Blum's legal strategies toward Latino interns [08:45]: White backlash against DEI efforts [12:00]: The strategy behind attacking pipelines for minority progress [14:30]: Tyler Perry's pause on a major investment due to Open AI's Sora [22:15]: Invisible effects of tech advancements and their ethical considerations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does Colman Domingo's Blackness overshadow his Latino heritage, making him invisible to the Afro-Latino community? In this episode, we'll analyze how Latino and Black films and actors fared in the 2024 Oscar nominations. We'll also discuss Colman Domingo's groundbreaking Best Actor nomination as the first Afro-Latino LGBTQ+ actor, and whether his potential win will resonate with the broader Afro-Latino community. We then dissect America Ferrera's historic Oscar nomination as the third Latina to be nominated for Best Supporting Actress and the first person of Honduran descent to be nominated for an Academy Award. But was her nomination overshadowed by white feminism? Episode Summary: What the Oscar nominations say about us and our tastes Analysis of Best Picture nominees of color Analysis of the Best acting nominees of color The Latino Renaissance is coming Why America Ferrera's Oscar nomination is so rare and special Colman Domingo's identity: Black man or Afro-Latino? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the DE&I backlash in America casting a shadow over award-season voters? In our first 'Brown & Black' episode of 2024, we have a critical exploration of DE&I's impact on Hollywood's award season. We'll also dissect the ratings and their implications, analyze the Latino shutout and its contributing factors, and share our predictions for which Latino and Black movies and talent will secure the coveted Oscar nominations. *Main topics* Concerns that DE&I initiatives are being dismantled in Hollywood. Feelings that white male creatives are being sidelined. The Latino shutout. Why can't popular Latino stars win major awards? Decoding the award show ratings and what it represents. Oscar nomination predictions for Latino and Black movies. 🎧 Subscribe and listen to "Brown & Black": Spotify: https://spoti.fi/47JgORF Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2uwVWk2 📱Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/brownblackpodcast https://www.instagram.com/jackrico https://www.instagram.com/iammikeonscreen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Mike and Jack examine why Netflix is depositing $100 million dollars into Black banks; Lin-Manuel Miranda's revered Broadway musical 'Hamilton' has been released on Disney+ and is receiving backlash from historians for glorifying slave-owners. Has art become more significant than historical facts? And in 1983, artist David Bowie challenged MTV VJ Mark Goodman on why MTV didn't play Black music in primetime. Chuck Creekmur, co-founder and co-CEO of AllHipHop.com joins the show to explain how racism still oppresses black and brown music in the music industry today. References: David Bowie Criticizes MTV for Not Playing Videos by Black Artists https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZGiVzIr8Qg "The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap" by Mehrsa Baradaran https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674237476 Correcting ‘Hamilton’ (Historian Annette Gordon-Reed Interviewed) https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2016/10/correcting-hamilton/ "What Is Owed" by Nikole Hannah-Jones https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/06/24/magazine/reparations-slavery.html Marianne Williamson Speech on Reparations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmu9hXtnbvo&feature=emb_title Reach out to us: Follow us on Twitter @brownblackpod Follow us on Instagram @brownblackpodcast Follow us on YouTube @brownblackpodcast Follow Jack Rico on Twitter @jackricofficial Follow Mike Sargent Twitter @mikeonscreen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we share our top Latino and Black films of 2023. Jack chose: "At the Gates," a psychological thriller that flips the traditional Latino immigrant story. "Radical," based on an inspirational true story that highlights the power of education in some of Mexico's poorest schools. "They Shot the Piano Player," an animated docudrama about a music journalist uncovering the mysterious death of a Brazilian piano player. Mike chose: "The Color Purple," a joyous and powerful musical rendition that celebrates the human experience in new ways. "American Fiction," a thought-provoking film about the consequences of commodifying art in the black community. "They Clone Tyrone," a unique blend of science fiction, comedy, and mystery, exploring significant themes using an unconventional narrative style. What are your favorite Brown and Black films of 2023? Tell us about it by subscribing and leaving a review. Talk to us on Instagram @brownblackpod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For over three decades, legendary storyboard artist Warren Drummond has been the inspiration and creative force behind some of Hollywood's most iconic films, such as "A Beautiful Mind" and "Straight Outta Compton", collaborating with industry giants like John Singleton, Ron Howard, and Denzel Washington. Warren joins the show to discuss his new book, 'A Hard Day's Work,' in which he offers a rare glimpse into his artistry, the perseverance and resilience that led to his breakthrough in Hollywood, and his thoughts on the existential threat of AI replacing storyboard artists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to this heated discussion on the controversial reverse discrimination lawsuit from white employees against Gannett for its diversity efforts in news, plus we tackle the 'woke' backlash of the film 'The Marvels' for its focus on diverse female superheroes. We ask, is DE&I under attack? Can diversity thrive in a divided America, or have we reached a reverse tipping point? And what does the future hold for a multicultural America? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Halloween! 🎃 Fear, a universal emotion, resides within each of us. As children, we quivered at tales of demons, ghosts, and mysterious noises in the dark—stories predominantly told from a white perspective, often neglecting the rich tapestry of Latino and Black experiences. This month, we take you back to our classic 2020 Halloween episode, where we delve deep into the world of Latin and Black horror cinema, grounding ourselves in the folklore of our own chilling tales. From influential Latin horror films like "El Orfanato" and "La Casa Muda" and Black horror classics like "Ganja & Hess" and Jordan Peele's "Get Out," we list each others best three horror films for your viewing nightmares, er, pleasure. Listen... if you dare! Hahahahahaha... Jack’s Latino Horror Picks El Orfanato: Available on Apple TV, VUDU [REC]: Stream on VIX La Casa Muda: Watch on AMC+, Apple TV, YouTube TV Mike’s Black Horror Picks Ganja & Hess: Find on Amazon Prime Video Get Out: Available on Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV Bad Hair: Stream on Hulu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chasing relevance. We're all guilty of it at some point, desperately trying to stay current and be noticed. But what's the cost? In this episode of Brown & Black, we'll peel back the layers on society's obsession with relevance, specifically for people of color in media and entertainment today. Why does it matter to so many people? Do we really need to stay relevant and what happens if we don't? Episode Summary What is relevance, particularly for POC in the entertainment industry? Mike discusses the cost of staying relevant, including the emotional, spiritual, and literal costs, and how it's linked to our inherent need for validation and acceptance. We do a deep dive into the definition of relevance, and why it's a crucial component for artists and creators. We discuss the relation between relevance and the desire for awards and external recognition, featuring a soundbite from actresses Ariana DeBose and Rachel Zegler and the pressures celebrities face to constantly maintain relevance. What is the connection between relevance, survival, and capitalism? We argue that the pursuit of relevance is often tied to a desire for better opportunities and resources, essentially survival. The mental health consequences of chasing relevance and the strain it puts on young people, who spend significant time on social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, our co-host Mike Sargent discusses his new horror film "From the Shadows" which he directed, produced and co-wrote. He shares some behind-the-scenes stories of making the film, including directing horror legends Keith David and Bruce Davison and what it’s like to direct an independent feature. Plus, find out which stories Mike is itching to tell next. Key Topics Discussed: The plot and themes of "From the Shadows" Casting Keith David and Bruce Davison, Mike's history with their work Filming remotely during COVID, transitioning to partial in-person filming Having the film's premiere during the Hollywood strikes Mike's trajectory from filmmaker to critic to filmmaker again Balancing different creative careers and identities The realities of indie filmmaking vs. expectations Mike's advice for up-and-coming filmmakers The kinds of sci-fi and genre stories Mike wants to tell How Mike's project "The James Scott Project" almost got made Where to watch "From the Shadows"? Streaming on VUDU throughout October 22, 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we discuss truth and the Supreme Court with award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter. Her latest documentary series, 'Deadlocked: How America Shaped the Supreme Court' out September 22 on Showtime is a four part docuseries that covers a broad range of topics essential to historians and those curious about the systems of power in this country. In our conversation, we discuss Porter's transition from law to filmmaking, her perspectives on the Supreme Court's evolution, the contributions of Black and Brown justices, and the importance for us to not let the Supreme Court fail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rotten Tomatoes, the notorious film review aggregate website, has been shaping the movie choices of audiences for more than a decade. But a recent exposé reveals the site may be rotting from within. In this episode, we discuss the New York Magazine article "The Decomposition of Rotten Tomatoes" and its reporting on how the website has become corruptible and is steadily losing its credibility.  We also examine how the site has been vulnerable to manipulation by studios and PR firms alike. So we ask the big question... Is Rotten Tomatoes still a trusted source, or is it time to reconsider how we value artistic consensus? We discuss the biological lure of groupthink, the threat of consensus culture, and whether the public really cares about nuanced criticism versus easy answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Rico and Sargent have an in-depth discussion about the past, present and future of film criticism. Is it traditional film critics or opinion reviewers on TikTok? They share their personal journeys into film criticism, the role of Rotten Tomatoes today, the new influencer/film promoters of social media, and predictions for where the industry is heading. This is an insightful conversation for any fan or student of film and media criticism. Episode Summary: - How Jack and Mike got their start in film criticism - The lack of diversity among mainstream film critics - The impact of Rotten Tomatoes on critics vs audience scores - How online and social media led to the rise of "everyone is a critic" - The shift from traditional professional critics to influencers - The role of ethics and public opinion in film criticism - Predictions on the future of film criticism and movie watching experiences The Brown & Black podcast, a 2023 Webby Nominee in the Best DE&I Episode Category, offers insightful examinations of race and pop culture. Hosted by two distinguished film and culture critics - one Latino and one Black - the podcast reimagines the narrative surrounding pop culture news and opinions in America. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent feature interviews with Latino and Black filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists, unpacking the complex relationship between entertainment and race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Brown & Black, Jack argues why he believes the Barbie movie is really a Latina film at its core. Its pivotal scene centers on a Latina character and her mixed-race daughter. The guys peel back the layers of the $150 million dollar marketing campaign that catapulted Barbie into the national spotlight, and examine the long-standing influence of predominantly white-centric advertising on communities of color, and how this latest campaign breaks that mold. The conversation takes a detour into the sensitive territory of "patriarchy guilt". Jack throws a curveball, questioning Mike on his potential complicity in benefitting from patriarchal systems. The discourse is raw, thought-provoking and timely. The question of the hour: Is Barbie set to claim the coveted Best Picture award? Mike, ever the devil's advocate, pushes back citing an uneven tone. But given the film's astounding critical acclaim and box-office triumph, will the Academy be able to ignore it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hollywood is on strike! In this OFF THE CUFF episode, Jack and Mike discuss how the WGA and SAG-AFTRA walkouts could reshape the entertainment industry, including how it could lead to the collapse of American culture. They analyze the sociopathic CEO mentality, and why executives feel they can dehumanize actors and writers. The guys also explore a few potential scenarios of the strikes such as the death of the movie theater and decentralized Hollywood 2.0 created by actors and writers. Episode Summary: WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes Existential threat to Hollywood Studio greed and lack of empathy Dehumanization of creators Sociopathic CEOs Potential boycotts and industry and cultural collapse Death of movie theaters? Decentralized Hollywood 2.0? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of "Brown and Black," hosts Jack Rico and Mike Sargent discuss the need to challenge the stigma surrounding multi-hyphenates and the superficial nature of the question, "What do you do?" They emphasize the importance of recognizing one's own values and personal branding, highlighting passions and values instead of specific skills. By reframing the conversation, multi-hyphenates of color could overcome societal norms and forge deeper connections with others, leading to a more inclusive and understanding society. Episode Summary: Societal Perceptions and Multi-Hyphenates: Explore why multi-hyphenates, especially those of color, face judgment and often have their social standing diminished. The Gig Economy & Perception of Multi-Hyphenates: Dive into how the rise of side hustles and the gig economy have contributed to a perception of multi-hyphenates as amateurs or solely motivated by financial gain. Artists vs. Multi-Hyphenates: Learn why artists are more readily accepted as multi-hyphenates, whereas other professions may limit exploration and growth outside of specialized fields. Hobbyists vs. Professionals: Understand why multi-hyphenates are often labelled as hobbyists, which can imply a lack of professionalism or commitment. Reconsidering The Question - "What Do You Do?": Consider a fresh perspective on this classic question, and why the response should focus on values and passions to foster deeper connections. The Brown & Black podcast, a 2023 Webby Nominee in the Best DE&I Episode Category, offers insightful examinations of race and pop culture. Hosted by two distinguished film and culture critics - one Latino and one Black - the podcast reimagines the narrative surrounding pop culture news and opinions in America. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent feature interviews with Latino and Black filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists, unpacking the complex relationship between entertainment and race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices