A New Understanding

I admit, before class started I had a lot of preconceived notions about telenovelas. The only times I have ever been exposed to them is when I'm flipping through the tv and stop for a second on Univision. There's usually very attractive women, lots of drama and bad acting. They seemed very over the top, and not very well produced. So I figured every telenovela fit this stereotype, but I was very wrong. I also assumed they were similar to American soap operas, which I find incredibly boring and silly. I do not know anyone who watches soap operas, and they seem like kind of a joke in America. But learning that telenovelas are very popular in Latin America and successful really came as a surprise to me. I thought the differences between the telenovela and soap opera were interesting too. Like how telenovelas air in prime time, while soap operas get the less watched afternoon slots. What really blew my mind though, was that they sometimes wait until the last second to throw everything together. It just seems way too stressful and hectic. Like when Dr. A said that she's witnessed shows being taped that have to go on air that night, that just seems unheard of in America. It would be so crazy to work on a set like that and have certain things be so last minute.

I was pleased to learn that there's more to a telenovelas than beautiful people and crying. I'm glad, and surprised, that some of the Telenovelas address social and political issues. It's a good way to express a problem, and in a way that people will still watch and enjoy. The telenovela I'm watching, "Sin tetas no hay parisio" addressed controversial social issues in Colombia. It's based on a book and touches on the issue of prostitution in Colombia. Young, poor girls get involved with gangs and mafia esc groups, and prostitute themselves in order to have a richer life style. It's very sad to think that this is based off true events, but it is... Girls thinking they have to get breast implants in order to survive and make a living, and I wonder what other options these girls have any way. To be forced into that kind of life seems awful, and it's sad to know it's happening as I write.

One last thing that struck me as interesting was the fact that telenovelas are popular all around the world. Spain, Miama, Canada, all these countries have the telenovela in some shape or form. And how weird is it that Ugly Betty came from Latin America? It's so popular here and I had no idea that the first one aired as a telenovela. Very cool if you ask me.