Jesús Morales Brings Joy to Day Laborers with Disneyland Trips

Jesús Morales, a 27-year-old San Diego resident, has been taking day laborers to Disneyland for a year, sharing their experiences on social media. Known as 'juixxe' on TikTok, Morales has amassed over 5 million followers and 160 million likes on the platform.

Why this matters: Morales' initiative highlights the often-overlooked struggles of immigrant workers and provides a positive portrayal of Latinos in media, challenging stereotypes and offering a rare glimpse into their humanity. This kind of representation can have a significant impact on how immigrant communities are perceived and treated, potentially leading to greater empathy and understanding.

Morales' initiative has not only provided unforgettable experiences for the workers but has also received significant support from his devoted fanbase. Viewers have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to support his cause, and Morales has secured sponsorships from big-name brands. He has also filmed videos with celebrities like Mario Lopez and Oscar de la Hoya.

Morales estimates he has taken around 50 workers to Disneyland since he started this effort about a year ago. The videos he shares from these trips show the workers experiencing pure joy and surprise, which has resonated widely, especially among Latino and immigrant communities.

Natalia Molina, a distinguished professor of American studies and ethnicity at the University of Southern California, notes that Morales' videos are rare positive portrayals of immigrants experiencing joy. 'He puts a spotlight on them and treats them with respect, and you're reminded of something that we shouldn't need to be reminded of, that these are human beings who live whole lives,' she said.

Morales' own background has influenced his mission. His parents immigrated to the US from Mexico, and he grew up hearing stories about their struggles. During the pandemic, Morales was furloughed from his job at a San Diego gym and turned to TikTok to fight boredom and make people smile. Inspired by other social media creators giving donations to those in need, he decided to try it himself.

Morales' efforts have brought attention to the often-overlooked struggles of immigrant workers and have provided a positive portrayal of Latinos in media. Molina highlights that the representation of Latinos in media has not changed in almost two decades, with Latinos often portrayed as criminals or low-wage service workers. Morales' videos, however, show immigrants as three-dimensional human beings experiencing joy.

One of the most touching aspects of Morales' videos is the workers' reactions. 'That's the thing that always gets me, seeing or hearing them laughing,' Morales said. The joy and happiness captured in these moments have struck a chord with viewers, making Morales' mission a heartwarming success.

To recap, Jesús Morales' initiative of taking day laborers to Disneyland has not only provided joy to the workers but has also highlighted the humanity and dignity of immigrants. His efforts have resonated widely, challenging stereotypes and offering a rare positive portrayal of Latinos in media.

Key Takeaways

• Jesús Morales takes day laborers to Disneyland, sharing their joyful experiences on TikTok.
• He has 5 million followers and 160 million likes, challenging stereotypes and offering a positive portrayal of Latinos.
• Viewers have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to support his cause, securing sponsorships and celebrity collaborations.
• Morales' initiative highlights the humanity and dignity of immigrants, providing a rare positive representation in media.
• His efforts have resonated widely, especially among Latino and immigrant communities, promoting empathy and understanding.