The following are a few YouTube comments made by viewers on one of Stevie Ryan’s LittleLoca videos. They are presented as they were written:

maltedm
LIL LOCA IS EXPOSING ALL YOU AMERICANS FOR THE RACISTS YOU ARE....IT'S A HOAX YOU MORONS!!!....I KNOW MORE ABOUT THE LATIN COMMUNITY OF LA THAN YOU ALL AND I'M FUCKING ENGLISH!!!.....IF YOU THINK ALL LATINOS ARE GANGBANGERS, THEN LIL LOCA IS EXPOSING YOU FOR WHAT YOU ARE...I SAW THROUGH IT ON DAY ONE.....

GabTheScab
how would you know more about the Hispanic community in LA than any American on this video forum? and why do you assume that all Latin Americans live in LA? if you actually lived around Hispanic American hip-hops you would understand why this is funny. if you want to point your finger with proper terminology you would say that Loca is being sardonic towards hip-hop culter and ethnocentric -- not racist, as most Hispanics are considered caucasoid and Loca isn't poking fun at caucasians.

rangerwest
WOW you guys are hilarious. Talent. The new Cheech and Chong.

hurrcane
i dont see anyone ASSUMING THEY ARE REAL and btw, the fact that silent girl is probably a joke doesnt necessarily undermine anything. 'real' latinos are allowed to have a sense of humor too.

SpeakingMyMind
So this stupid spick bitch made this video to talk shit on everyone? Damnit I hate you fuckin PLAGUERATS. GTFO Spicks. Your countries suck, so you come ruin ours, you lawncare fucks are fuckin disgusting.

jesikasaeffing
hahaaha iloveyour videos girl :]

Redbeast411
anyone that says la raza can suck my dick. fuck la raza and fuck mexico and fuck latinos.

JapaneseWomanTy
aww I love it im so proud to be Latina

NickInjecton
YOU ARE AN IGNORANT BRAINWASHED MTV ZOMBIE. READ A BOOK AND STOP ACTING IN A MANNER THAT MAKES SPANISH PEOPLE SEEM IGNORANT AND UGLY. YOU MAKE SPANISH PEOPLE LOOK BAD!

******

I was going to write an entry on why we chose to produce a short film but I thought it would be better to let you read a few of the comments that show the diversity of emotions, opinions and beliefs that people bring to Stevie Ryan’s videos. As a filmmaker it’s a gift to find a story that has already sparked passionate debate and interest. Angel and I didn’t pick this story because of the controversial aspect, but rather, because art sparks debate and questions.

We became involved in this story because Stevie managed to raise numerous questions through her videos. What is racism and stereotyping? What is culture vs. conformance? What is humor vs. mockery? What is confidence vs. arrogance? What is free speech vs. hate bashing? Finally, is the YoutTube community a reflection of societies attitudes or immature posturing?

Of course we know that we will not be able to answer these questions in a twenty-minute video. We also know that it would be easier to ignore this story and not stir up heated emotions such as racism and stereotypes but when an issue settles in your gut and compels you to take action, there is nothing else to do but to see it through and make a statement. Anyhow, as we progress I’ll try to give you some insight on how we came to develop the film’s story and remain true to our artistic voice.

Stay tuned,
Paul m