Dateline: 05/05/00
The HBO announcer said this documentary would look at the contributions Latinos have made to society. After a year of Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez dominating the spotlight, I looked forward to seeing the successful Latinos that have always been here. I wanted people to see the landowners and the politicians who have been here for centuries. While I find it odd that we should have to justify our existence, I am painfully aware that some communities have a limited exposure to the various Latino cultures. Besides that, it's always good to have a celebration of culture.
Unfortunately, eighty minutes isn't enough to give a full account of the Latino experience, much less our contributions. It is enough time to cover the same material you'll find in any positive examination of the Latino experience. The difference is the commercial appeal. Edward James Olmos, who mainstream audiences accept, is the center force behind the project. He was involved in the book and the production of the documentary. While HBO didn't appear to give the show any prominence on it's home page or advertisement, Americanos makes a effective predecessor to the announced HBO Latino channel that will soon be available. This is a good non-academic critique of the positive Latino experiences in the United States.
El Vez, the Chicano Elvis impersonator, provides most of the intermittent music. With his rhythms and humor, the documentary stays positive and upbeat. There is very little mention of strife, and everyone wants to fit it and get along. Unfortunately, this is just the kind of media attention Latinos have needed these days. Between Elián and Vieques, other Americans need to remind themselves that Latinos are next door to them everyday and aren't always looking to pick a political fight. We're in Congress, we're on stage, and we walk past them every day without notice. We might need that reminder ourselves from time to time.
The show constantly reminds us that not all Latinos are of the same culture. However, while preaching the diversity of our cultures, the documentary only profiles the most populous and well-known groups. Mexicans, Puerto Ricans and Cubans. Even with only three groups, the customs are as broad as they range of skin tone and hair. There's nothing new for those of us in the middle of the culture. It's all lowriders, music, dance and trying to fit with the dominant culture while figuring out your own identity. At times, I got the impression that it was apologetic. "Look at us. We're successful and fun. We sing and we dance. Don't you love us? We love you." It's easy to criticize the white-washing, but assimilation and acceptance are constantly apart of the quest for a Latino identity. The title, Americanos, reminds people that we are of the Americas. Latinos are from every island and nation in the Americas.
I don't recommend the movie for a deep analysis of our culture. My impression was that HBO marketing, not Olmos, made the decision to use the phrase, "and their contributions to society". The given subtitled, "Latino Life In The United States", is a more accurate billing. The documentary serves well as an introduction to those who do not know us. For those of us whose culture is in the movie, it makes for a good eighty minutes to sit down and reminisce about the good things that are in our lives.
Americanos airs on May 5, 11, 14, 16 and 22 of this month. Check your local listings for additional air times.
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