Producing Dreams, Consuming Youth

This insightful exploration reveals the complexities of Mexican American culture and media, as seen in Producing Dreams, Consuming Youth by Vicki Mayer.

In Producing Dreams, Consuming Youth, Vicki Mayer explores the vibrant landscape of Mexican American popular culture, particularly in San Antonio, Texas. This city serves as a significant hub for the growing Latino community, showcasing a rich tapestry of cultural expressions that extend beyond mainstream icons like J. Lo and Shakira. Mayer delves into the intricate dynamics of culture, class, and community identities, shedding light on the complexities that shape the experiences of Mexican Americans in media and society.

The narrative is grounded in the voices of various stakeholders in the media industry, from executives at Spanish-language advertising agencies to English-speaking working-class teenagers. Through their perspectives, readers gain insight into how mass media—encompassing music, television, and newspapers—serves as a platform for cultural dreams and community empowerment. The book illustrates the ways in which these individuals navigate their identities and how the media reflects and influences their aspirations.

At its core, Producing Dreams, Consuming Youth engages with critical questions about representation and the future of Mexican American media. It examines how media professionals envision ethnic youth and how young Mexican Americans interact with these portrayals. Mayer emphasizes the paradoxes inherent in media industries that aim to include diverse voices while simultaneously capitalizing on their creativity, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in cultural studies, media, and the Latino experience in America.