An extremely important factor in my drama that creates a lot of the tension and plot for the characters is the difference in social status and how they affect people. There is a strong division in my telenovela between those who do not care about different social statuses and treat everyone with respect when deserved, and those who need to follow an hierarchy. One thing that I have noticed as the division occurs, is that someone's actual social status does not directly affect their mindset in helping others.
Old Vallejo was kind to all of his employees and interacted with them frequently. He would wander around the farm to see how they were doing, provided all of his workers with proper housing and meals, and loved Gaviota's singing that would brighten up the farm. After Gaviota saved Old Vallejo's life, he recognized her loyalty and hard work and decided to gift her with a rich piece of land. Although he was a rich, established boss, he still remained humble and treated his workers properly without disrespecting them.
A character that is the exact opposite of this would be the Maid. She is willing to do anything to keep her position at the house and does not treat others with respect. She puts down the other workers in the thought of following traditions and does not treat them with respect although they are in same social status. While the other workers at the wedding were complimenting Gaviota's dress and felt proud to have one of their people representing them and moving up in the world, the maid was extremely disrespectful and was ashamed to have Gaviota at the wedding.
Although as we discussed in class that the Cinderella structure is extremely common as a large percentage of people in poverty are women, I do find it interesting how this telenovela expresses the difference between social classes in different ways. There is no clear divide between whether someone is in support or against the relationship based off their current social status, every character is different. Some believe that love should have no boundaries, others believe that people should follow ancient traditions, and a few characters are in a socially grey area as their opinion changes on different aspects. Additionally, the telenovela shows how different social status can actually affect the relationship. Sebastian wants Gaviota to be comfortable at all times and attempts to give her special treatment or additional gifts to help her feel better. However, Gaviota only sees the gifts as sympathy and being looked down upon, so she often returns them immediately. Each of the characters slowly learn how to make a relationship work between them and overcome their economic and social differences.
A relatively large wealth gap exists in Latin American countries, and as there is such a difference between the rich and the poor stereotypes can easily form among people. However, as the telenovela shows the different perspectives of different people of different social and economical classes, it can address and break some of the stereotypes that viewers have built in their minds. Even though a lot of wealthy people will still want to follow traditions and want their child to marry someone that they will approve to, the telenovela expresses that not everyone has this mindset and that there is room for change in the future.
I find the class structure very interesting, specifically when it comes to relationship dynamics. Sometimes I think it is extremely overly dramatized, because I cannot imagine feeling so insulted by someone giving me a gift or something of that sort. I understand people being self-conscious about their partners money and not having the same amount, but I really feel like it's not that deep. However, I do enjoy the storylines so I cannot complain.
ReplyDeleteHi Izzy! I enjoyed reading your post and definitely agree that class/wealth differences are a major plot in many telenovelas. It was interesting to see how this was portrayed in the telenovela you chose and the one I am watching, Rubi. They are similar in the way that some characters are less concerned with class in relationships and will help others regardless of class, but I would say the majority of characters are much more disapproving of lower wealths, especially the main character Rubi. She is of the lower class but is extremely disapproving of everyone who is poor and manipulates those with money so she can get rich herself. It sounds like her and the maid character you mentioned would get along haha.
ReplyDeleteI also think it's interesting that the maid seems to only want to keep Gaviota down. For whatever reason, in my experience, some people in Latin America have this mentality that has to do with "staying in your role" and not reaching above your station. When I would go to Colombia as a kid, I would go to camp, and while most of the kids thought it was cool that I was American, some would also say things like "why did your dad move to the US?" or "does he think he's too good to work in Colombia?" While I don't think that these kids actually knew what they were saying, I don't doubt its things they've heard in their homes. I will say though that the vast majority of people really just want you to succeed. I find it interesting that you mentioned how there is no clear opinion in the show on whether or not the couple should be together, because I think it's really refreshing when there is no "show perspective" because it gives the watcher more of an unbiased viewing experience.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your stance on the roles that social class plays in telenovelas and in particular the show you picked! I've also noticed that in my Dizi, Sen Cal Kapimi, there is a clear emphasis on the wealth hierarchy and how the rich would prefer you marry rich, and not below your class. Just like Gaviota, my main female protagonist Eda, returns nice gifts that she receives. In her perspective, she understands and sees that the upper class look down upon her, so she'd much rather wear her inexpensive, simple jewelry than wear their gaudy jewels. I think this emphasized/represented that social class disparity while also showcasing that her being lower class doesn't diminish her as a person.
ReplyDeleteHey Izzy! I find it interesting that in many telenovelas class systems are so common. In my Turkish drama, Yargi, there is a class difference between the two main charterers Ilgaz and Ceylin but it is not very apparent in the drama. I think class differences is such a big theme in telenovelas not only because they reflect reality in Latin America, but it offers many different tropes that can be added to the story. Just by having two characters of a different class, one poorer and one richer, telenovelas can include a rage to riches plot line, a forbidden love, or social commentary into the story.
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