Lumpenfication

The process, whether intentional or unintentional, by which an individual, group, or entire culture is socially and culturally reduced to lower-class stereotypes, often associated with marginalization, poverty, or “ghettoization.” This process may involve oversimplified representations, stigmatization, or the stripping away of complexity and nuance in favor of caricatured or degrading portrayals. Typically, involves stereotypes about crime, poverty, lack of education, etc.

In American media, particularly in film and television, Latinos are often subjected to lumpenfication through repeated portrayals as gang members, maids, drug dealers, or undocumented immigrants.

by neonexxus June 14, 2025