My research topic question is “Why is there a lack of representation for people of color in the musical In The Heights?” However, within my paper, I wanted to expand out the idea of misrepresentation and insert the common issues of whitewashing Hispanic culture within Hollywood and all entertainment thus far. While constructing my Annotated Bibliography, I was able to truly specify the difference between the writing and perspective of authors and their topic. Being able to realize this key point made it an easier process to build on what I needed for my essay; what I may need as a counter argument if necessary, or what I needed for a general aspect outside my main research question. All allow me to send the message of why colorism, not just in the movie musical In The Heights, in all platforms and communities should not be normalized and people who contribute to such form of discrimination should be made aware and be educated. Rhetorically, I have noticed that writers like Monica Castillo, Micha Frazer-Carroll, and Astrid Galvan make sure to appeal to their audience by mentioning their feelings as Hispanic women who have seen countless people of color films and express that although they may white pass because of their fair skin, they still understand where Afro-Latinos and all people of color are coming from with their anger on how Lin Manuel Miranda made Washington Heights come out to be. He took out the authenticity, the culture of those streets to make a movie that will appeal to “all audiences.” Writers like I have annotated in my bibliography, in a way, are meeting the expectations of the Hispanic community and try their best to analyze the film to explain how the issue of colorism has been around since the beginning of all entertainment. By making them feel like they should be appreciated more and shown off more because we contribute to society in many shapes and forms, so it seems fair. The critical analysis skills drew upon the best purpose within my research essay because of how well every writer made their point get across. Even though it all seemed repetitive, it led to the mentality that it is okay to keep thinking that people of color have always been seen differently because it makes the audience want to keep going for the change we desire. It makes readers want to continue with the hopes that one day we won’t be seen differently or won’t be seen like we have to look a certain way to fit in. Then lastly, the fourth source prepared me for how colorism goes outside of Hollywood entertainment and into literature which is essentially one of the main ways of storytelling and communication within society. Malinda Williams introduces the mental damage colorism has on people and if not stopped, will impact future generations only leading to more separation of communities. 

       For the basis of my theory of writing, I made sure to look out for the keywords that expressed the emotional impact of the film on people. I thought it was the best way to capture my audience but also to keep their attention because it is not a new problem, but a rather similar and consistent one. Outside of the main target audience, the basis in my writing could also be considered to bring awareness to other communities, maybe even the ones that partake in the acts of colorism and are discriminatory towards someone because of their skin complexion. In Monica Castillo’s article, her rhetorical situation was an introduction to the key term “erasure” and how people of color start to become separated from their culture because of racial indifferences and wanting to fit in with society. Micha Frazer-Carroll’s rhetorical situation was an introduction to the key term “color blindness” and how being part of this group doesn’t make a positive change, but a negative and ignorant one because it demonstrates the lack of education with racism. Astrid Galvan’s rhetorical situation in her article was how deeply engraved the lack of diversity concept exists in society because it leads to whitewashing, racism, inequality within families and friends, etc. Not at all benefiting a major part of the world’s population. Lastly, in Malinda Williams’ dissertation, her rhetorical situation is introducing the gap in culture for Puerto Ricans and Dominican Republicans because of the crisis of what is acceptable and not, which carries over to literature and in the big picture, to other communities of color. I can apply these sources to my academic assignment, through smooth transitions because they all correlate in terms of how poignant colorism and color blindness are global. This builds up for me, as a writer who is being extended educated on this topic, and to others who were not aware, this could be a problem for some individuals. By recognizing the problem and speaking about it, maybe one day we will have more changes than expected.

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