For people who have
limited knowledge of telenovelas, it is assumed that telenovelas are just
dramatic shows about two lovers with a lot of enemies. There are some stories that
may follow this format, but even some of those are filled with representation
and identification. Due to the broad range of telenovelas and what they can
cover, there are numerous chances for the story to connect with the audience
whether it be in terms of ethnicity, sexual orientation, politics, or
contemporary issues. Telenovelas deal with issues of racism, interracial
couples, stereotyping LGBTQ+ members, transgender people, political divides, diseases,
plastic surgery, gender violence and much more. It is important that
telenovelas bring light to these different issues.
For one, some people may
not otherwise get the information that the shows present or the lessons that
the shows teach. Although they are not telenovelas, shows like The Fosters and I am Jazz taught me so many things about the transgender community
that I would not know had I not watched the shows. Telenovelas can impact their
audience in this same way with political information, information on abuse, ethnicity
and race issues, and with information on the LGBTQ+ community.
Additionally, telenovelas
are a form of expression. The writers and directors are given a platform to communicate
how they feel about different issues. More importantly, the audience gets a
story or people to connect to. They get to know that they are not alone and
that they have someone to relate to. They get the feeling of having their own
story expressed because someone else expressed it.
Also, the issues
presented in the telenovelas can inspire the audience to do something or get
something done. The telenovela could spur a movement for more equality for
women, racial minorities, or people of the LGBTQ+ community or convince someone
to go to the doctor or not get more plastic surgery.
The issues that exist in
the world are not simply more content for a telenovela, but it gives the
telenovela a chance to express something or do something or encourage something
or someone. Telenovelas are much more than dramatic love stories.
Hi Nikki!
ReplyDeleteI really like how you said that telenovelas allow the audience to connect in emotional ways through stories or characters that relate to issues in their every day life. Also, I found it interesting how you said that story lines in telenovelas may be someone's only opportunity to gain insight and empathize with these issues. In my blog, I explored something similar, stating that telenovelas help to normalize new ideas and beliefs into society. I also liked how you stated that issues presented in telenovelas can act as a call to action for the viewer. I think that telenovelas are very much a reflection of our society and that the writer's have a lot of influence on what people think of certain issues. You considered some things that I didn't think of, I really liked your take on representation
Nikki,
ReplyDeleteYou are right that telenovelas have an influential power on society. We discussed consumption in class and simply seeing how many people of all ages tune in daily to watch novelas shows that they are listening. If telenovelas continue to use this power to express something meaningful whether it be gender equality, mental health awareness, etc., there is a strong possibility for change and the chance to motivate viewers to also do something impactful in their communities. The storylines should not always be used purely for drama, but to also highlight real world issues and possible methods for change.
Estoy de acuerdo con la idea que las telenovelas tienen un impacto grande en la sociedad y los demás. En clase, yo pienso que los temas predominantes que hemos visto son las relaciones del género (especialmente la violencia/ la violación) y la pobreza.
ReplyDeleteComo tú, no sabía de la influencia de las telenovelas hasta que leí un articulo (vi mi publicación anterior). En el artículo, discuten como las telenovelas pueden ser usadas por el aumento de la literatura saludable.
A mí, el ejemplo más profundo de la influencia de las telenovelas es la visibilidad del autismo en "La Mujer Perfecta." No pudo creer cuanto atención y apoyo que el personaje, Micaela, había ganado.
Nikki --
ReplyDeleteI agree that telenovelas are much more than just dramatic love stories. Especially modern telenovelas, I think are much more likely to dive into controversial issues like mental health, drugs, plastic surgery, or immigration. For example, my telenovela, Al Otro Lado del Muro, tackles the topic of immigration head on by depicting different types of immigrants and showing the issues they deal with on a day-to-day basis. From Dreamers to undocumented immigrants to visa holders and even American children of immigrants can all identify with characters in the telenovela. Even other audience members can walk away with just a greater knowledge and understanding of what immigrants in the United States deal with on a daily basis and what laws need to change.