Spanglish

While doing the MeXicana Encounters reading, I couldn't stop thinking about the 2004 movie Spanglish. Here is a link to the trailer and wikipedia page to familiarize yourself with the plot and representation of chicanas in the film.




Wiki page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanglish_%28film%29

The film was written by a white American director/writer James L Brooks. He is also known for writing many Simpsons episodes, as well as the Simpsons movie. He grew up in New Jersey with Jewish parents - translation: he does not have any connections to chicana/mexican culture. Spanglish seems like a very appropriate title for this film because Spanglish is used as the vernacular for the white community that wants to appear to know Spanish words, while butchering pronunciation.

The film begins with Flor, a poor mexican mother, who is trying to get a job at the house of a wealthy white family. Flor does not speak much English and uses her young daughter as a translator. The film pushes the theme of Flor and her daughter trying to achieve the "American Dream" - symbolized by the extravagance and wealth of the white family. Flor's daughter is seduced by the family, feels that she wants the lifestyle that they have, and resents her mother. However, at the end of the film, she realizes that the family has their own troubles and she begins to appreciate her own mother and culture. Although this seems like a good message, it does seem to have an underlying message that White and Mexican culture do not mix well. Furthermore, there are some problematic scenes throughout the film. Adam Sandler's character tries to talk to Flor throughout the film but constantly stereotypes her when he talks about her lack of English skills. By having the character of Flor display limited English skills, it allows her to always just be in the background, someone that works in the house but that will never fully integrate into the White culture. Flor is finally given a substantial when Adam Sandler has a breakdown after finding out that his wife has cheated on him. He confides in Flor, and she is able to use some of her new English skills. This allows the male white character to gives Flor's character worth. The movie ends with calm restored to the American family - deviant behavior is forgiven. And, Flor's daughter realizes she is truly "her mother's daughter." How sweet..

At first glace, this film is not overtly racist; the trailer tells the average viewer to think that this film is going "outside the box" and portraying Chicana culture. Which is worse, overt racism? or subtle stereotyping that furthers our tainted views of cultures different than our own?