Recently, "Saturday Night Live" made a stride toward diversity after being criticized for its lack of black female writers and cast members. The NBC show, however, still lacks Latina influence. In fact, it has not had a steady Latina actor or writer since its debut. Now, a movement has been formed to change "SNL," which has earned the nickname #StillNoLatinas.

Jenni Ruiza and Jesenia, creators and producers of production company The Comedy Girls, started the campaign because "SNL" hasn't featured a Latina since its creation by Lorne Michaels in 1975.

"It seems that every single time we're watching "SNL" we literally see the same character or the same stereotypical portrayal of Latinos," Jenni told Latin Post, referencing characters like Mimi Morales.

"The fact of the matter is in 39 years they've never had a Latina ... who's a regular on the cast, and we feel like that's the reason why we're being depicted as these ridiculous stereotypes," Jesenia added.

The two comedians, who produce their own sketches, work on radio and do stand-up, believe that the lack of Latina influence has resulted in "SNL" constantly resorting to cheap jokes that make fun of Latinos. The Comedy Girls argue that Latino comedians can bring much more to the table than thick accents.

"A lot of us have spent so much time, like Jesenia and I, studying at improv schools and practicing because of the fact that we want to elevate ourselves, not only to speak to just the Latino community, but to speak to everyone in the whole nation..." Jenni said.

Unfortunately, when it comes to Latinos in comedy, the jokes tend to be the same. The community has struggled to find a mainstream place where they can be funny for the sake of being funny, and not just because they are making fun of their heritage. Jenni suggests that this is because some "boxed ourselves" into these roles and are afraid of being "blacklisted," or excluded from major movies and television shows.

"...now how can we relate being American into our comedy?" Jesenia, who is a second generation Puerto Rican, said. "How can we join those two [cultures] in a way where ... we're not just Latino, we're American [too]. So we need to speak to our American brothers and sisters; Blacks, Asians, Indians ... everyone. Because we're all here."

One of Jenni's friends brought up an almost inevitable question: "If you take out the stereotype, what's funny?" The Comedy Girls' answer? Plenty. The problem is 'SNL' hasn't seemed to figure that out yet.

"'SNL,' they don't know us," Jesenia explained. "They see us as Latin. They don't see us as American. That's why a lot of the characters have thick accents and are really really stereotypical against us because that's how they see us, because that's how we have been portraying ourselves in comedy."

"'SNL' is a huge comedic influencer whether its on a network level or a national level," Jenni added. "They literally have the power to change the way Latinos are perceived in the media and on a national level ... Once you start generalizing and making fun of our little intricacies, that becomes the problem, and it borders racism."

Jenni recalls how it feels to be represented by such "cringeworthy" sketches.

"That's supposed to be me. That's 'SNL's' view of me," she said. "That is not us, and its very tiring and exhausting to continually have to watch this."

But now, Jesenia says comedians are ready for a change. Because "SNL" is such a monstrous comedic power, The Comedy Girls argue it can change America's perception of Latinos.

"If we could move away from the stereotype, it'd allow us to show how we react to the social issues and the political issues that they solely put sketches out for ... because i think thats the main problem: we're not being depicted as intelligent people," Jenni explained.

Jesenia hopes that Latina writers and actors would better represent the community and even veto excessively insulting sketches.

"if we could move from that negativity, then I think we could show that we're normal people who have normal opinions, and we can speak very intelligently to anything that is going on in the world or that is happening in all communities," Jenni continued.

So how does "SNL" go about fixing this issue? The comedians recommend checking out diverse NYC troupes like People's Improv Theater and updating their casting methods.

"I also think, personally, 'SNL' needs to step away from the very traditional ways of casting that they do," Jenni said. "Because of the fact that we're so media-driven now, a lot of people who are really good can exist online. They should be seeking that out. They should at least take the time to do the research to find us."

In fact, The Comedy Girls themselves are gaining an online following. In less than a month, their YouTube video, which mocks "SNL" stereotypes and implores Michaels to make a change, has gained thousands of hits and plenty of support.

"thank you both for this," Jaime Gonzalez, a YouTube User, commented.

"You guys are so amazing!!! I hope the message gets to Lorne Michaels ASAP!!!," Terry Torro added.

The girls are patient with their demands. Jesenia even notes the possibility of waiting until next season to see results. Once that change comes, however, she envisions the Latino community thriving.

"It would be an inspiration," Jesenia, who struggled to find a Latina role model and instead settled on Chris Farley, said. "If I ... saw a Latina on that cast, it would make me feel awesome because that means we are there. We are being heard. We are being respected. We are being seen because we are capable of all these things."

In the mean time, The Comedy Girls plan to put their money where their mouths are and prove that Latinas can be funny.

"Yes we put out this challenge to Lorne Michaels and 'SNL,' but you have to back it up," Jenni explained. "At this point, we're showing our range and the different things Jesenia and I bring to the table."

They encourage others to do the same.

"If you feel like your voice isn't being heard, if you feel like you want to see more people like you on TV, than you need to create your own work," Jesenia added. "We're always saying, 'Create, create, create. Create your own work.'"

Check out Jenni and Jesenia's hilarious plea to "SNL," "Latino Stereotypes for DUMMIES," below. If you agree with The Comedy Girls, spread the #StillNoLatinas hashtag to encourage "SNL" to represent.

Follow Scharon Harding on Twitter: @SH____4

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