First of all, I want to thank Dr. A for her kindness and patience. Thank you for pointing out new perceptions I didn't even consider and exposing us to the world of telenovelas. It is definitely much more than what meets the eye.
I. Telenovelas are political
I came into this class knowing any platform that is digestible to the ton would be used to either convey ideas or to speak out against systems. I am pleased to confirm that telenovelas do both. The perfect example of a writer who effortlessly does this is Leonardo Padron. When he wrote La Mujer Perfecta, he built up tolerance against disabilities in home countries where mental health issues are belittled and ridiculed. He also spoke out against the Venezuelan government in Cosita Rica.
II. Writers are undervalued
I can't believe writers aren't provided royalties. One of the most shocking things I learned in class was the systems and protocols surrounding writers. It is heartbreaking to know there isn't some type of equal pay for writers. I guess this is why we had the writer's strike in the US. However, this makes me think, are most telenovela writers in Latin America from wealthy backgrounds or do they already have some type of financial security? It is the writers' creative flow that builds a telenovela. They should be compensated fairly and trusted. If a network is afraid the telenovela won't be a hit, then they should do a flat fee and then pay writers a percentage depending on success.
III. Globalization exposes consumers to different cultures/areas/people
While there are dangers to network channels from globalization through platforms like Netflix, I appreciate how exposing consumers to different cultures can build tolerance for new ideas/cultures. I think it's such a beautiful way to connect with stories on the opposite side of the world. I think globalization in telenovelas makes viewers much more empathetic and invested in global news.
While these are only a few of the things I learned, these are my biggest takeaways. Even when ridiculed or dismissed by specific groups, Telenovelas definitely impact all in society. They are such a crucial tool in society. Telenovelas can cause solidarity, escapism, or even a sense of purpose for viewers.
Firstly, Brittany, I loved the way you organized your thoughts hahahah. And, in fact, all the topics you highlighted are super complex and make us look at telenovelas as something that goes beyond a TV production. Understanding how telenovelas deal with politics, society and culture in different countries and the effect this has on the population was very interesting.
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