Some things I have always been interested in are drama and the Spanish language, so I had pretty high expectations coming into this course. Though I did not realize I was going to pick a telenovela to watch, I was excited at the thought of my “homework” being to watch a series. I began my research process looking for a telenovela that was unique and not “basic.” While I was picking my telenovela, I asked for input from my friends, hoping they would be able to find something interesting and more obscure. Ultimately I decided on watching La Reina del Sur, and it led to a really interesting thought about shows and the draw of popular telenovelas.
Originally, I wanted to pick a telenovela that we had not spoken about in class. I really try to place value in finding interests that are unique and specific to me. I did some research and tried to figure out what I would really enjoy watching. I knew I wanted something with a lot of action because, unfortunately, I have a fairly short attention span and get distracted easily. While I know most telenovelas can become addicting, I wanted to make sure whatever I picked had intensity and excitement to keep me engaged. I also wanted to make sure there was some sort of strong female lead presence. While I know these are fictional plotlines and not real people, it makes me really frustrated to see a female lead portrayed as weak, unintelligent and incapable without the male. I was browsing through lots of trailers and I was consistently going back to one telenovela: La Reina del Sur.
La Reina del Sur had all the aspects I was looking for: an action-packed plotline, a strong female lead, and great reviews from past viewers. After lots of searching up until the day before the deadline to choose a telenovela, I finally settled with myself that I would be picking La Reina del Sur. It was not the most unique choice, or what I had originally wanted to choose, but it did check all of my boxes and was something that I realized I was eager and excited to watch.
After deciding that my telenovela would be La Reina del Sur, I soon realized that the reason everyone is so drawn to similar telenovelas is because they are well-executed, well-written, and tailored for a wide group of people. There is a reason that La Reina del Sur has so many viewers internationally and is so popular, so we had to talk about it during class a good amount. It is a great example of a narconovela that engages a huge audience and pulls in many viewers, including myself. So while I may have originally been avoiding it, La Reina del Sur drew me in, just like it has done for so many to gain its large following and popularity.
By: Elizabeth Heuser
Hi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI think this is so interesting! I respect you for going out of your way to find a telenovela with a strong female lead. Nothing bothers me more than when women are portrayed as weak and dependent, so I'm glad you found that La Reina del Sur incorporates strong female leads. I remember when we watched the trailer in class, I thought it was so cool!
What I find so interesting is what you say about how your telenovela is written to reach a wide group of people. I'm sure originally it was meant to engage people who live in Spanish speaking countries, but look at how far beyond those countries it has reached!
Glad you enjoy it!
I chose the same telenovela and I admire the strong female lead as well. Many of the other women in the show are labeled in the category as a damsel. They are viewed as women who need men and are seen as weak. I feel that this why so many men are attracted to Teressa because she is so independent and not like the other women. Throughout the entire telenovela you can see the actions of Teressa that intrigue and puzzle the men because it is not what they are use to. Sometimes they even get frustrated with her, but they continue to desire her. I find it comical at times the hold she has on men!
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