Diversity in Telenovelas

 A common theme as of our past few classes, diversity, has weighed heavily on my mind throughout watching my telenovela. Whether it be skin color, gender, wealth, or success; all sorts of people are represented in my telenovela, "La Selección."

Two of the main characters have darker skin and one, Faustino, is even taunted for his skin color. While he lets this get to him in the moment, his friend insists he has to learn to not fall for people's taunts, regardless of cruelty. I recognized many of the problematic themes we have discussed in class for telenovelas, however, I have noticed mine has at least acknowledged them as problematic or jokes.

Whether they be stereotypical views of crazy women, men required to be macho, or a certain color skin being superior; all of these views of been brought into the show, and then dismantled as irrational or inaccurate most often.

Though it may not represent the issues severely enough, it shows Carlos Valderrama apologizing to his wife for being cruel, as opposed to demanding obedience out of her. However, she is also written to be overly-emotional and argumentative at times.

There also contrasting personalities, such as Faustino who goes after women like they are prizes, whereas René Higuita tries to court a girl with his charm and kindness.

There are also different social classes, however, one factor remains the same; they are all in need of football to help their families and make their lives better. The show emphasizes how much the sport means to each one of them and how much they are willing to sacrifice to play it.

Though based on real people, La Selección contains enough representation to carry four different storylines with different interests, struggles, and lives, however, they all center around an interest of making it to the international Colombian team.

I have noticed that the writers have remained pretty accurate to history and true events, while adding to the drama. The way we have discussed that real life is more full of drama than we realize; this telenovela merely exaggerates that pre-existing drama that occurred through these footballers lives. The locations are all accurate and real, as the filming was done in real towns throughout Colombia to promote the authenticity of the project.

As a representation of the importance of football to people all over the world, La Selección, perfectly encapsulates the importance of the sport to Colombians and wanna-be players alike, who commit their lives to loving and participating in the sport.

With the sport bringing together these various stories and men, so too does the telenovela with representing powerful people, old and young, men and women, and poor and rich; representing how they all have the capability to achieve success for themselves.