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Explorations in Ethnic Studies

Explorations in Ethnic Studies

Orginal Publication Date

1985

Journal Title

Explorations in Ethnic Studies

Volume

8

Issue

ees/vol8/iss2

First Page

11

Last Page

14

Abstract

Norman Friedman's analysis of the short-lived sitcom, a.k.a. Pablo, raises many issues about the role of television in social life and the limited access of minorities to representation on television and to the decision-making processes of television programming. As his content analysis implicitly shows, the "situations" and the comedy of this sitcom were defined, set in motion, and revolved around various positions of Mexican Americans in relation to white culture and society. Pablo's Mexican jokes and flagrant stereotypical traits allowed him access to the world of show business and at the same time disturbed the self-perceptions and cultural pride of his family; his sister's liberal activitism [activism] and feminism was placed in opposition to more conservative views of how to progress in America and awareness of the constraints of mainstream white society. The program thus positioned the Rivera family along several axes which showcased the heterogeneity of Mexican Americans as it addressed the socially constructed conventions of cultural stereotypes.

Rights

Copyright, ​©EES, The National Association for Ethnic Studies, 1985

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