The Interconnectedness of Human Kind - A Look at Telenovelas for Added Insight
I think that it is common knowledge that the telenovela industry has gone global. Telenovelas have had a huge impact not only within the Spanish-speaking world of the Southern Hemisphere, but also within other societies in the Northern Hemisphere (both Spanish-speaking and non). Miller’s article, Ugly Betty Goes Global, is an excellent overview of the universally appealing elements that telenovelas possess as well as an incredible example of the various multidirectional flows of telenovelas. I think that Miller’s article is a great addition and expansion of common telenovela knowledge. It is also a great example of how commonalities reach across humanity, and also how the globe is increasingly networked.
Regarding the universally appealing elements of telenovelas, it is assumed that telenovelas appeal to a variety of cultures and regions, but why? Miller explains how the short run and frequent 5-6 night a week format, the cost competitiveness, as well as the timeless narrative elements are universally appreciated. The narrative elements particularly interested me in that, in the way we discussed in class how there are basic story-lines that have been discussed for generations across cultures (such as in our personal example of Disney), telenovelas are no different in their use of a common formula. The social, economic, and romantic success, as described on p.205, are popular across immigrant migrant populations and across nations. Around the world there is an ongoing industrialization, and many people are facing challenges as a result. These telenovela story-lines appeal to their needs. The fairy tale is a story that can be customized to specific groups, but that has a hopeful and relatable message for all.
Regarding the multi-directional flows of telenovelas, I was surprised to learn that beyond the inter-regional flows and South to North flows, there are also North to South flows as well. There is a growing telenovela industry in Miami in the United States where telenovelas are being produced by the local Spanish-speaking population for their own communities, but that these series are growing in popularity throughout the North and within the Southern Hemisphere. It is amazing to me how globalization does not take one direction, but multiple. This is a perfect example of the current flows of international media productions. This shows how there are growing counter-directional flows, and that this is a trend that is continuing to flourish.
I personally don’t watch telenovelas, but I have watched the re-shot Ugly Betty series within the United States. It’s great. These themes do appeal to me, as expected. I think that people would agree that this type of globalization isn’t necessarily such a scary thing at all, but rather a pretty neat representation of the global commonalities amongst humankind, and of the increasing interconnectedness of the world.
Jade Miller’s article does not only talk about the worldwide acceptance of Telenovelas, but of (what I am considering) the more important element of universality. She identifies key elements to what makes a universal or global product—something I tried to do in an earlier blog. Perhaps I am over thinking this, in addition to your already answered question of why these telenovelas appeal to a multitude of cultures: I think another idea might be that maybe telenovelas are cultureless. When the producer pitches the idea of the show, they (perhaps) are not thinking ‘Spanish people are going to love this’ they may be thinking ‘people are going to love this’ and the more audiences they appeal to, the money they are going to make. So at the core, telenovelas are all just a shell; shells can be personalized to fit the needs of the wearer (in this case, a populous of television watchers). What I am saying is not that a Hispanic product is responsive to people, but that people are responsive to products that they can connect to on a basic level. For some reason, Latin American and Nigerian TV and movies seem to be able to complete these tasks better than others.
ReplyDeleteMany of our classes surrounded the idea of the US’ media influence abroad. Drawing from the same ideas as stated in Miller’s understanding of global product formulas, we do not often see the same thing from the US (not in original products). What is often characteristic of original US media is the disconnection from reality, and the melding of all stories to end well. Many people like these things because they can—for a few minutes to a few hours—live in another world where unrealistic things happen on a regular basis. People may enjoy these stories as an escape, but used en masse, this form of imaginary media can and does become an opiate, and people lose touch and become disillusioned with reality. Additionally, people may become disappointed because the issues depicted have very little to do with their own, international audiences will not be able to accept many concepts that are in American media. Specifically, Glee would not do well in societies where singing, homosexuality, interracial relations, or revealing clothing (among many other things) are prohibited. I’d like to see how Glee would be translated world-wide. We also have shows where teenage, unwed pregnancy is ‘dealt with’. Again, I do not imagine that would bode too well in the Middle East.
Some things are lost in translation, and other things should just not be translated.