Cultural Imperialism in Mexico: Telenovelas

How has the concept of cultural imperialism impacted Mexico? To be more specific,  media-wise it is imperative to point out that there is, in a sense, an uniformed standard of beauty that pretty much overrides regional expectations.

What do I mean by this? Simply by examining, for instance, the types of “beauty” stars one sees on tv. In the popular telenovelas, very rarely do you see a dark-skinned actress! In most of these soaps one is usually graciously greeted by fair-skinned, very thin and often-times light-eyed individuals.

Take a well known actress, for instance: Veronica Castro

Browsing the Univision website (major Spanish-speaking television channel that shows Mexican novelas) under their soap directory will pretty much confirm this trend....check it out yourself by clicking here.

Moreover, male actors are not far behind...I remember that not too long ago, both my grandma was really hooked on a novela called "Cuidado con el Angel" . However, coincidentally, expanding on this idea of the 'standard' for beauty, I also had to agree with my grandmother in that the main actor was very good-looking...but is he really a representation of the cultural diversity that makes up the Mexican country as a whole?

Mexico only = Spring Break? Apparently!

Earlier today I was on the "Hoy" newspaper website, just browsing and looking for interesting information.

Because this spanish-language daily publication usually does a good job of reporting Latin American issues, (or at least dedicating more than the momentary headline other publications do), I like comparing my finds on this site and balancing my news feeds.

Anyway, while clicking through the main page I saw the following post:

"Pictures: 5 wildest spring break spots"

 I clicked on it, and you know what was really peculiar? For a Spanish-language publication, the caption description of the actual picture slide show was all written in English!

Check it out...the top THREE spring break vacation spots are all in Mexico:

Acapulco, Mexico(Photo by CLAUDIO VARGAS/AFP/Getty Images

 

"Who doesn't need an excuse to break out the swimsuit and sunscreen and hit the beach? The five wildest spring break spots for 2010 are: Acapulco (Mexico), Cancun (Mexico), Daytona Beach (Florida), Key West/Miami (Florida) and South Padre Island (Texas)"

Moreover, the AP published a similar article:  "Mexico's Spring Break King Rebounds", basically advertising and summarizing the popular trend of heading south for spring break vacation.

"La Presentacion"

"Think celebrity mug shots, but live."

Alleged drug cartel members Jose Manuel Garcia Simental, center left, and Raydel "Crutches" Lopez Uriarte, center right, together with two unidentified men, are guarded by federal police as they are presented to the media in Mexico City. (Alexandre Meneghini / Associated Press / February 9, 2010)

This past week, the Los Angeles Times published yet another piece regarding Mexico's infamous drug wars. This time, however, the focus was a bit different...dealing with the media coverage of the drug cartel itself.

According to the article, it seems that in a collaborative effort to curb high crime statistics brought upon by the narcos and to fulfill consequent safety concerns the nation faces, Mexican officials have quickly latched on to the trend of publicizing and openly showcasing their successes by incorporating local news reporters, photographers, and live stream coverage of them capturing the criminals.
"La Presentacion", (as it is known in Spanish) has its critics, though. Some  have pointed out that ultimately, such an explicit exposure, even of criminals, threads on humanitarian boundaries. Moreover, some insist the inherent bias the public would adopt, leaving little room for the accused criminals to plead innocence once showcased in this manner.

What do you think?

Check out the full article here