One thing that we have been discussing in great detail over the past few weeks is how some telenovelas can and have been used as a critique of a specific society. In general, telenovelas are works of fiction, dreamed up by the author to engage audiences across the globe, but in some unique cases, authors use the telenovelas to essentially "say something" about society.
In my opinion, there are two categories that telenovelas as critiques can fall into: general and specific. In a general critique, a telenovela will choose a topic (or many topics) and comment on those. For example, the author of "Sen Anlat Karadenic" uses the telenovela to bring up the topic of gender violence in Turkey. This would be a general critique, one in which a broad topic is brought up and discussed by way of the content in the telenovela.
The other category of critiques is the specific critique. In this type of critique, the author uses the telenovela to comment on a topic that is more specific than a broad topic like gender violence, for instance. A great example of this type of critique is the famous telenovela made in 2003 in Venezuela, "Cosita Rica." This telenovela was being produced in Venezuela while Jugo Chavez was rising to power. When Chavez gained power, the telenovela was still being produced. When Chavez momentarily lost power and then regained it, the telenovela was still being produced. What's interesting about this telenovela is that it did not ignore the political climate around it when it was being produced. What's even more interesting is that the author actually incorporated elements of current events in the telenovela. For example, there is a character named Olegario that almost perfectly resembles Chavez, not by his appearance, but by his actions. If Chavez held a press conference, you could bet your house that tomorrow night on the next episode of the telenovela, Olegario would hold a similar press conference. In this way, authors can use telenovelas to critique specific topics as well as general topics.
What do y'all think? Do you agree with the two categories to which I narrowed down critiques? Are there more? Are there fewer?
Hey, John!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post on the categories of critiques. I would have to agree on what you were saying. As well as there being specific and general views on the issues, I think that both categories can definitely intertwine with the meaning within a novela.
For example, as you said, in Sen Anlat Karadeniz, the representation of gender violence is incredibly illustrated throughout the drama. Not only does Vedat's violence towards Nefes specifically represent the saddening truth that is apparent in Turkey, but this could also refer to a general message regarding gender violence around the world. Those abroad who reside in a country or area with a similar form of domestic abuse could also be targeted by the novela's message.
John,
ReplyDeleteI believe that telenovelas, and the media and entertainment and general, not only critique society but shape society's interactions. Oftentimes, viewers begin mimicking the clothing and slang of the show characters and soon even the thoughts and actions. This shaping of society definitely also critiques what currently occurs in society. I do believe there can be multiple critiques and as John stated, they can be intertwined. These critiques are necessary for learning and growth, especially with the consumption rates that we've seen with telenovelas.
John,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your assessment that there are different types of critiques for telenovelas. In my telenovela, I found that it was more of a general critique on the topic of immigration - the main plot focused on two women who crossed the border and how they navigated their lives as Mexicans living in the United States. I also agree with you in that the types of critiques can be intertwined. For example, while Al Otro Lado del Muro was mainly a general critique of the immigration system in the U.S., there were also some specific critiques mixed in. As I mentioned in my blog post, in one episode, Alejandra talks about how "some people say we [Mexicans] don't send our best but those people would be wrong". This is a clear dig at Trump at a time when Trump and his administration was becoming more aggressive in its anti-immigrant rhetoric.