When I first enrolled in this class, I imagined General Hospital in Spanish. I love the Spanish language and have been practicing since I was about 10 years old, so the idea of watching "cheesy" shows in a language I long to learn more of seemed appealing.
The first day of class shut down my initial ideas immediately.
"Telenovelas are NOT soap operas!" said Dr. A. Wait, what? Everything I had previously learned in Spanish classes around this topic shattered into a million pieces. Then what are they? I wondered.
Telenovelas are an art form that is highly valued in Latin American countries. Unlike regular soap operas, they have heart and soul. They experience Despecho and love and a story line that we can all relate to. Needless to say, within the first few days of my telenovela class, I was ready to start experiencing this for myself.
My thoughts roamed tumultuously throughout my mind about how soap operas and telenovelas could be so different! I mean, they look the same on paper, but no. There's SO much more. I want to focus more on the art of the telenovela rather than a compare and contrast to soap operas. To me, after learning all of the initial information, I dug deeper into how coveted the telenovela really is.
Telenovela's are something that Latin Americans universally recognize and appreciate. Just like paintings in an art museum, these shows tell a story that is often times much deeper than people realize. After looping through several clips of telenovelas, I realized that lessons are often told and learned within the subconscious of a good, emotional love story. Lessons such as respecting beauty in all forms or learning to laugh when the world advises against it.
As time has passed, the telenovela has evolved into something like a good friend. You need them. You need them to show you the ups and downs of life - something that makes you feel and something that is much more stimulating than a mind-numbing soap opera or new Netflix original.
Needless to say, I am ready to be exposed to this art form and ready to be swallowed up by the waves of real, raw emotions that they have to offer me. I'm eager to learn of the actresses and actors and the history in which the telenovela sprouted from.
This is the beginning of me and the telenovela!
Adaire, I related with your post so much! I have always described telenovelas as "soap operas in Spanish." I agree that although they kind of can be at first glance, they are two different worlds. Although telenovelas and soap operas both give the audience a family to come home to, telenovelas are relatable and teach a lesson.
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