“The Gringo in Mañanaland” (MV 6028 at library) Journal Entry #____
One of the themes of the film is the way Imperial Powers (or Hegemonic Powers) rationalize their domination, both to their own citizens and to those of the subject countries. This film is built around a series of clips taken from Hollywood movies, cartoons, news reels, and radio reports mainly from the first half of the 20th century. One of the fundamental questions is: how do all of these influence, or shape what we “know” about Latin America and U.S.-Latin American relations? You have accumulated plenty of knowledge and specific examples to draw from. Among those that make an appearance in this film and that you’re familiar with are: the United Fruit Company; the “friendly dictators” Anastasio Somoza of Nicaragua, Machado and Batista of Cuba, and the Dominican Republic’s Rafael Trujillo. You’re also familiar with Cesar Augusto Sandino who was waging a war of “national liberation” in Nicaragua as well as Ricky Ricardo, Popeye and the Three Stooges – all of whom appear in this film. Remember to show complexity as you respond to the questions.
1) From this film, discuss the multiple ways Latin America (and Latin Americans) has (have) been portrayed on film, “newsreels” (that used to be shown between movies at the movie theaters) and radio…. The clips are organized into 5 parts, I’ll list them for you so you can describe/comment on each:
a. (Latin America as) “Paradise”
b. (Latin America as) “Problem #1”
c. (Latin America as) “Problem #2” (something to do with chaos/ banditry/ rebellion)
Comment on the role of this “problem” in justifying U.S. military interventions during this period and into the Cold War. Be aware of the different code-words that are used during different time periods, code-words that are often used to de-legitimize and trivialize people, groups, or nations.
d. “Cooperation” (between the United States and Latin America)
e. (Latin America and the United States as) “Partners”
-what is the significance of Lucy Ricardo dancing with a mannequin Ricky with splices of film footage of Gen. Somoza of Nicaragua and Gen. Trujillo of the Dominican Republic?
2) How might these images of Latin America shape, or condition what we “know” about Latin America? How do these images contribute to the zeitgeist of the era (the “spirit” of the times)? Or are they just a reflection of it? Or both? Why is that important?
3) How might what we “know” about Latin America, then affect what “we do” in Latin America (economically, politically, militarily)? “We” is the collective “we” as a society that have the capacity to influence government.
4) What role do film, newspapers, television (t.v. news for example) and all the other constellation of forces (factors) we call “the media” play in “manufacturing consent” (folks accepting or not questioning the status quo, the way things are)? Can they play a role in socializing a population into accepting certain points of view?
8800 Grossmont College Drive
El Cajon, California 92020
619-644-7000
Accessibility
Social Media Accounts
