ANSWER

Aline Helg is a historian who has written extensively about Latin American history and issues related to race and ethnicity in the region. While I don’t have access to specific publications or quotes from her after my last knowledge update in September 2021, I can provide some general information about Argentina’s population and the concepts you mentioned.

1. European Stock in Argentina: Argentina’s population is primarily of “European stock” due to historical immigration patterns. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Argentina experienced a massive influx of European immigrants, primarily from Spain and Italy. These immigrants contributed significantly to the country’s population and cultural makeup. Argentina actively encouraged European immigration to promote economic development and “whiten” the population, which was seen as a way to modernize and Europeanize the country.
2. Fate of Indigenous and African Populations: The original indigenous population of Argentina, like in many other parts of the Americas, was decimated by diseases brought by European colonizers and by violence and displacement. Argentina also had a smaller population of African slaves, but their numbers decreased over time due to factors like abolition and assimilation into the general population. By the late 19th century, the majority of the population identified as European or of European descent.
3. “Whitening” and Racial Theorizing: “Whitening” refers to a social and political ideology that was prevalent in many Latin American countries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was based on the belief that the presence of European immigrants would lead to the gradual “whitening” or lightening of the population, both in terms of physical appearance and cultural traits. This ideology was closely related to racial theorizing, which sought to establish hierarchies of race and justify European dominance and supremacy.
4. Reflection in U.S. Mass Media: The perception of Argentinians in U.S. mass media can be influenced by historical stereotypes and cultural representations that emerged during the period of European immigration and “whitening” efforts. This may manifest as the portrayal of Argentinians as predominantly white or European in appearance.

   An example of this could be the casting of actors in American films and television shows. If Argentinian characters are consistently portrayed by actors who are of European descent and do not reflect the country’s diversity, it can perpetuate the notion that Argentina is primarily a “white” nation.

It’s important to note that perceptions of race and ethnicity can be complex and multifaceted, and they may not always align with the historical realities or contemporary demographics of a country. Additionally, attitudes and representations can change over time, and more recent media portrayals may be more diverse and accurate in reflecting Argentina’s multicultural society.

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