The Cinderella Cliche

Marisa Roman's surprise visit was such a treat. Having her answer questions about telenovelas and the industry really brought it to life for me. I tried to find her on google, but it was very hard. It's amazing how in Latin America she's such a superstar, and in Athens and the united states people do not recognize her at all. To find her I had to be really specific and use the name of some of her telenovelas like Ciudad Bendita. I told all me friends about it and how exciting it was that a famous telenovela actress came to our class, but they did not share my excitement. It makes me wonder if there is the same standard in Latin America. What if someone pretty famous, such as George Clooney traveled to Venezuela. Would many people recognize him? I guess a lot of it has to do with the type of work that particular actor or actress does. Marisa has primariley done telenoveals, which are not popular in mainstream America. However, actors that produce movies that are widely spread and dubbed are of course going to receive more attention world wide.


We talked a lot this week about the "Cinderella story" being the basis for most telenovelas and how they all have key elements which make them this way. The more you think about it, the truer it gets. Pretty much all the telenoveas that we have been learning about or seeing clips of live up to this stereotype. It is so weird that this theme has been successful over and over, and with such a basic plot line. My telenovela has many of these elements; the poor girl, living in the rural area who just wants to live a rich and comfortable life. Oh, and of course, she's very beautiful. My protagonist cannot be qualified as pure, however, because she is trying to use prostitution as a way of overcoming her poverty...so it has a little bit of a twist on the average telenovela.

America does the same thing in many of it's movies/tv shows, ect. The term Cinderella comes from one of our very own Disney classics, where the poor girl finally over comes poverty because of a persistent prince. All of the Disney movies follow these same guidelines. There is always a girl who needs rescuing and always a competent man waiting to save her. It's interesing how genders are portrayed in these medias. Why does the girl always need a man to save her? And how come she always seems to be strangely attractive and always very sweet and caring. The same continues with the story of Betty, La Fea. Here, the girl had the smarts and the personality, however she is lacking in appearance. She has great attributes, she just does not have the looks. It is only when she begins to become attractive and a beautiful woman does she finally win the guy. Being herself and being a good person is not enough. I think it's good how some of the newer telenovelas are touching on this subject of the over-importance of beauty. In countries where beauty reigns, we need a reminder that there is so much more to women, and people in gender.

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.