--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Playing a positive role on a network…" description: "\"Playing a positive role on a network television show, it was great. I took it as a responsibility. Poncherello was supposed to be Poncherelli, and then..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e0e/erik-estrada-23669_american_playing-a-positive-role-on-a-network-tel_1947669.jpg" --- # Playing a positive role on a network television show, it… ![“Playing a positive role on a network television show, it was great. I took it as a responsibility. Poncherello was supposed to be Poncherelli, and then when I got this part I said, 'You know what, this guy isn't going to be Italian-American, he's gonna be Hispanic American.' And they went with it.” quote by Erik Estrada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e0e/erik-estrada-23669_american_playing-a-positive-role-on-a-network-tel_1947669.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e0e/erik-estrada-23669_american_playing-a-positive-role-on-a-network-tel_1947669.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e0e/erik-estrada-23669_american_playing-a-positive-role-on-a-network-tel_1947669.jpg) > “Playing a positive role on a network television show, it was great. I took it as a responsibility. Poncherello was supposed to be Poncherelli, and then when I got this part I said, 'You know what, this guy isn't going to be Italian-American, he's gonna be Hispanic American.' And they went with it.” [Erik Estrada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-estrada/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Choosing to portray a Hispanic American character challenged stereotypes and broadened representation on TV. **In simple terms:** He chose a Hispanic role to diversify TV. Key Takeaway Embrace roles that break stereotypes. Themes representation diversity media influence Mood hopeful determined Type inspirational social When to use this quote - casting decisions - scriptwriting - community outreach - educational programs Key Concepts cultural identity stereotype disruption media responsibility Questions to Reflect On - How does representation affect viewers? - What barriers exist for diverse casting? A Different Perspective Audience may resist non‑traditional casting. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Hispanic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hispanic/) [Italian american](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/italian-american/) [Positive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/positive/) [Responsibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/responsibility/) [Television](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/television/) [Television show](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/television-show/) ## Related quotes > [First of all, I try to be a positive role model.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-jenner/first-of-all-i-try-to-be-a-positive-role-model/) [Bruce Jenner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-jenner/) > [Whatever role I play is a positive role; it's a strong role. Never negative.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mr-t/whatever-role-i-play-is-a-positive-role-it-s-a-strong-role-never/) [Mr. T](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mr-t/) > [There is only one positive role of the Nobel prize--it creates some common way to understand a writer. I cannot say, that I like…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stanislaw-lem/there-is-only-one-positive-role-of-the-nobel-prize-it-creates-some/) [Stanislaw Lem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stanislaw-lem/) > [When you're young, stay active no matter what you do, and look up to positive role models.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/deandre-hopkins/when-you-re-young-stay-active-no-matter-what-you-do-and-look-up-to/) [DeAndre Hopkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/deandre-hopkins/) > [Select positive role models. Choose role models that help you feel good about who you are, rather than ones who make you feel bad.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/select-positive-role-models-choose-role-models-that-help-you-feel/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [...because there are no local or State boundaries to the problems of our environment, the Federal Government must play an active, positive role. We…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-m-nixon/because-there-are-no-local-or-state-boundaries-to-the-problems-of-our/) [Richard M. Nixon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-m-nixon/) > [I love interacting with the fans and being a positive role model for little girls.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carmella/i-love-interacting-with-the-fans-and-being-a-positive-role-model-for/) [Carmella](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carmella/) > [You just have to know that there's people watching you, and you've got to be a positive role model and not put yourself in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/blake-griffin/you-just-have-to-know-that-there-s-people-watching-you-and-you-ve-got/) [Blake Griffin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/blake-griffin/) > [I've always kind of lived my life to be as much as possible a positive role model for children.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/corey-feldman/i-ve-always-kind-of-lived-my-life-to-be-as-much-as-possible-a/) [Corey Feldman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/corey-feldman/) > [I do not want to be slotted... so I feel lucky for myself to get a positive role in 'Tujhse Hai Raabta.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amrapali-gupta/i-do-not-want-to-be-slotted-so-i-feel-lucky-for-myself-to-get-a/) [Amrapali Gupta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amrapali-gupta/) > [If there isn't any positive role models that look or act like you then it's your duty as an individual to become that role…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-there-isn-t-any-positive-role-models-that-look-or-act-like-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [There are very few things that I love more than being on stage and performing, but more than anything, I want to be a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lindsey-stirling/there-are-very-few-things-that-i-love-more-than-being-on-stage-and/) [Lindsey Stirling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lindsey-stirling/) > [I also feel I'm a positive role model by not putting my education on hold.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/natalie-portman/i-also-feel-i-m-a-positive-role-model-by-not-putting-my-education-on/) [Natalie Portman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/natalie-portman/) > [I don't really understand this negative or positive role thing. A role is a role.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-sarbh/i-don-t-really-understand-this-negative-or-positive-role-thing-a-role/) [Jim Sarbh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-sarbh/) > [I have a lot of pride in the fact that I don't do a lot of fat material. I give people who are overweight…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralphie-may/i-have-a-lot-of-pride-in-the-fact-that-i-don-t-do-a-lot-of-fat/) [Ralphie May](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralphie-may/) ## More by Erik Estrada > [I like to watch the Fox News Network. I like 'Nightline.' I like to watch 'The Sopranos,' of course. That is one of my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-estrada/i-like-to-watch-the-fox-news-network-i-like-nightline-i-like-to-watch/) [Erik Estrada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-estrada/) > [I really love the karate thing I did on CHIPs. I studied with a trainer because I knew we'd do episodes that had karate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-estrada/i-really-love-the-karate-thing-i-did-on-chips-i-studied-with-a/) [Erik Estrada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-estrada/) > [Respect other people regardless of the level they are at... or the level you are at. When you hand out respect, you get it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-estrada/respect-other-people-regardless-of-the-level-they-are-at-or-the-level/) [Erik Estrada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-estrada/) > [It was a hard job, but it was a lot of fun and I'll always be grateful to Ponch. He was a part of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-estrada/it-was-a-hard-job-but-it-was-a-lot-of-fun-and-i-ll-always-be-grateful/) [Erik Estrada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-estrada/) > [I never rode a motorcycle before 'CHiPs.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-estrada/i-never-rode-a-motorcycle-before-chips/) [Erik Estrada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-estrada/) > [Sergio Leone's 'Once Upon a Time in America' is a brilliant movie. It's about four hours long, but it's so well done.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-estrada/sergio-leone-s-once-upon-a-time-in-america-is-a-brilliant-movie-it-s/) [Erik Estrada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-estrada/) > [As a Latino growing up in Spanish harlem, it's not easy trying not to be hot-headed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-estrada/as-a-latino-growing-up-in-spanish-harlem-it-s-not-easy-trying-not-to/) [Erik Estrada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-estrada/) > [Long time ago, I was going to be a New York cop, then got involved with this girl who was into acting, then got…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-estrada/long-time-ago-i-was-going-to-be-a-new-york-cop-then-got-involved-with/) [Erik Estrada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-estrada/) > [I do get a lot of mail. I get a lot of foreign mail because my mail gets mixed with Emilio Estevez.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-estrada/i-do-get-a-lot-of-mail-i-get-a-lot-of-foreign-mail-because-my-mail/) [Erik Estrada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-estrada/) > [I wanted to be a New York City cop before I became an actor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-estrada/i-wanted-to-be-a-new-york-city-cop-before-i-became-an-actor/) [Erik Estrada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-estrada/) > [I grew up in New York in an English-speaking environment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-estrada/i-grew-up-in-new-york-in-an-english-speaking-environment/) [Erik Estrada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-estrada/) > [Listen, the Latin people, I love the Latin people. They are so loyal to you. Even if you haven't been on TV for thirty…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-estrada/listen-the-latin-people-i-love-the-latin-people-they-are-so-loyal-to/) [Erik Estrada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-estrada/) > [They do the soaps differently in Mexico. You just have to know the storyline and not memorize the lines. There would be someone feeding…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-estrada/they-do-the-soaps-differently-in-mexico-you-just-have-to-know-the/) [Erik Estrada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-estrada/) > [My grandfather taught me generosity. He sold snow cones in Harlem. I went with him at 5 and he let me hand out the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-estrada/my-grandfather-taught-me-generosity-he-sold-snow-cones-in-harlem-i/) [Erik Estrada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-estrada/) > [National Geographic has awesome stuff. I like Court TV. Sometimes I'll watch Reality Mix because they have some interesting stuff on that.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-estrada/national-geographic-has-awesome-stuff-i-like-court-tv-sometimes-i-ll/) [Erik Estrada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-estrada/) [Explore all 25 Erik Estrada quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-estrada/) ## More American quotes > [I wasn't attracted to American cinema, but I fell in love with Los Angeles the minute I arrived.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/agnes-varda/i-wasn-t-attracted-to-american-cinema-but-i-fell-in-love-with-los/) [Agnes Varda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/agnes-varda/) > [William Maxwell's my favorite North American writer, I think. And an Irish writer who used to write for 'The New Yorker' called Maeve Brennan,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alice-munro/william-maxwell-s-my-favorite-north-american-writer-i-think-and-an/) [Alice Munro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alice-munro/) > [I have fallen in love with American names, the sharp names that never get fat.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-vincent-benet/i-have-fallen-in-love-with-american-names-the-sharp-names-that-never/) [Stephen Vincent Benet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-vincent-benet/) > [I really like a lot of American country stuff, so my music has that influence, but I don't like to be set within a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jade-bird/i-really-like-a-lot-of-american-country-stuff-so-my-music-has-that/) [Jade Bird](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jade-bird/) > [I certainly don't think that the heirs of the American Revolution were a particularly noble class.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/h-w-brands/i-certainly-don-t-think-that-the-heirs-of-the-american-revolution/) [H. W. Brands](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/h-w-brands/) > [Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in a tremendous investment to support millions of workers without a paycheck and behind on bills.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jake-auchincloss/congress-passed-the-american-rescue-plan-act-in-a-tremendous/) [Jake Auchincloss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jake-auchincloss/) > [Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and employ almost half of the working population. Yet because of their size, they rarely…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dan-lipinski/small-businesses-are-the-backbone-of-the-american-economy-and-employ/) [Dan Lipinski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dan-lipinski/) > [Although I write in English, and despite the fact that I'm from America, I consider myself an Armenian writer. The words I use are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-saroyan/although-i-write-in-english-and-despite-the-fact-that-i-m-from/) [William Saroyan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-saroyan/) > [When we first sold the Wallace and Gromit shorts to America, people suggested we get rid of the strange British accents and put clear…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nick-park/when-we-first-sold-the-wallace-and-gromit-shorts-to-america-people/) [Nick Park](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nick-park/) > [Firefighters and rescue workers are American superheroes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kerry-kennedy/firefighters-and-rescue-workers-are-american-superheroes/) [Kerry Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kerry-kennedy/) > [France has not only built a bureaucratic barrier against American culture, it has constructed a notorious intellectual case against it as well. The French…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tyler-cowen/france-has-not-only-built-a-bureaucratic-barrier-against-american/) [Tyler Cowen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tyler-cowen/) > [New York and San Francisco are distinctly different. San Francisco is driving the American media, not New York. You have young, microwaved millionaires and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jason-whitlock/new-york-and-san-francisco-are-distinctly-different-san-francisco-is/) [Jason Whitlock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jason-whitlock/) > [Well look, CIA is an agency that has to collect intelligence, do operations. We have to take risks and it's important that we take…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leon-panetta/well-look-cia-is-an-agency-that-has-to-collect-intelligence-do/) [Leon Panetta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leon-panetta/) > [Food as a hobby used to be an elite pastime, and it has become something that is totally ordinary for people of every background.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dana-goodyear/food-as-a-hobby-used-to-be-an-elite-pastime-and-it-has-become/) [Dana Goodyear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dana-goodyear/) > [It's important for American soldiers to be culturally sensitive when deployed in foreign countries. But it's just as important for the U.S. never to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-bauer/it-s-important-for-american-soldiers-to-be-culturally-sensitive-when/) [Gary Bauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-bauer/) Browse all 7,717 American quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Playing a positive role on a network television show, it was great. I took it as a responsibility. Poncherello was supposed to be Poncherelli, and then when I got this part I said, 'You know what, this guy isn't going to be Italian-American, he's gonna be Hispanic American.' 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