Like water for chocolate” and “the chosen one” comparison in the  cultural and historical context of Latin America

Like water for chocolate” and “the chosen one” comparison in the  cultural and historical context of Latin America

“Like water for chocolate” and “the chosen one” (Las Elegidas) exhibit the explicit epitome of the societal injustices that have shaped the historical landscape of Latin America. The characters and the storyline of the in the movies help develop the theme of slavery, oppression, violence, resilience, economic equality in Latin America, and the world as a whole. Besides, the film is symbolic of the longs struggle of independence and self-determination from the yoke of slavery and colonial domination. The protagonists’ battle with the social injustice in social set up is characteristic of the resilient slave trade and practices deeply entrenched in the British, Spanish, and French colonies in the Americas until came the success abolitionist movement and independence of the Latin American countries. The tyranny and Social injustice in the movies “Like water for chocolate” and “The chosen one” (Las Elegidas), a symbol of Latin America History, are characterized by violence, slavery, limited freedom, and economic disempowerment.

The hypothesis for this paper suggests that tyranny and social injustice perpetuates violence, oppression, limited freedom, and economic disenfranchisement. Cultural tyranny and social injustices are significant themes covered in the two movies and a reflection of the historical and contemporary landscape in Latin America. Tyranny implies a leadership and management style in which absolute power gravitates around an individual or few individuals and its often cruel, oppressive, and with little regard for democratic or dissenting opinion[1]. Dictatorial leadership uses the existing structures within the system, including the law enforcement apparatus and courts to frustrate the need of leadership accountability, and disregard of the laid down rules and laws and weakening of civil rights to perpetuate the status quo and selfish interests[2]. On the other hand, social injustice refers to unfair actions and practices that are unresponsive to people’s needs or welfare[3].

In the movie “Like water for chocolate,” directed by Alfonso Arau, the mother to the chief protagonist, Tita, uses the motherly authority and cultural tyranny to control members of her household. She capitalizes on the traditions requiring that the last born of the family not to engage in critical life stages such holy matrimony but stay with the parent (mother) while taking care of the domestic chores and duties. Tita’s mother runs the ranch with firm hand and ruthlessness[4]. Cultural and moral rules are very stringent at the ranch, especially during Mexico’s revolution period. The customs were likely passed to her, which she bequeathed them to her children. She forbids her daughter to marry Pedro. Besides, she used the authority to inflict pain and anguish on her last born daughter throughout the story. She spanks and insults Tita at the slightest provocation for little or no mistake made by Tita. Alfonso Arau. Everything the household members engage in is particularly scrutinized and controlled from social events such as dances and personal relationships. The chief protagonist Sofia is at the mercy of her father in law (Ulises Father), who is known for women trafficking. Sofia is romantically attracted to Ulises, but she is oblivious that her father-in-law plans to recruit her in the prostitution brothel that is difficult to leave once hired. The father in law’s tyranny is evident when Ulises asks his father to let Sofia go, but his father’s strict condition of recruiting another lady to take the place of her girlfriend comes his way[5].

Moreover, social injustice is prevalent in both movies. Social injustice refers to the concept of claimed unfairness, usually accompanied by violation of human rights. Social injustice orchestrates intentionally through the instruments of power and societal practices[6].  The injustices arise because the tools of power create inequalities in the societies that limit access to better social amenities and financial ability to afford the essential commodities and services, freedom of expression, and speech. Further, individuals and groups may get exposed to exploitation and violence because of inequality and the inability to speak for themselves. It is evident from the two movies that social injustice is a common denominator. Social injustice is rife in “Like water for chocolate”. Tina has to endure both emotional and physical abuse from her mother’s tyrannical leadership[7]. Tina is forbidden to marry the lover of her life, Pedro, because her boyfriend comes from a different racial background- African descent. Throughout the story, Tita attempts breaking free from the oppressive mother. Sofia’s predicament, on the other hand, is seen in deep entanglement in the prostitution business ring run by his father in law. Sofia is subject to sex-trafficking and abuse against her wish since both Ulises and her plans to escape[8]. Besides, running away the father in laws trap will mean violence meted on her or will land on the violent gangs. Sofia faces an enormous task of toiling the evenings and nights through prostitution to raise 6000 pesos just for a night. The interaction of Sofia with her extended family, especially her brother in law and father in law, manifests curtailment of freedom of expression and association. Sofia is incapacitated to pursue the dreams of her life because she has been forcefully obligated to sustain the families business. Her participation in the sex- trade exposes her to the risks of violent clients as well as sexually transmitted diseases. There are convergence and consistency of message in both movies. Tyranny and injustices are rife in both accounts as those who are expected to protect their loved ones are engage in inconsistent behavior that jeopardizes their subjects or those they are supposed to protect. The tyranny and social injustices of the antagonist, Tita’s mother, and Sofia’s father in law negatively impact on their subjects.  Violence, oppression, limited freedom, and harsh economic realities present the likes of Sofia, Tita, and other characters in the two movies. Violence is practically meted out on those who have a contradictory opinion, simply because the perpetrators of violence have an inadequacy of articulating or communicating disagreement effectively.

In most cases, when the aggressors fail to agree with their subjects, they resort to intimidation through violent means. It can be deduced that protagonists or oppressed cannot negotiate efficiently because the sole authority lies with the aggressor. Sofia and Tita cannot settle their times with their aggressor because they wild authority. Tita suffers negative psychological impacts from her abusive mother, so is Sofia’s experience at the hands of prostitution engineered by her father in law. Sofia worked while risking her life with no better payment but oppression. The consequence of the injustices meted out on the protagonists (Sofia and Tita) as well other characters (Pedro, the lady who was Sofia’s replacement, and Titas Sisters) made then yearn for their freedom as well as for the others. Although racial discrimination is apparent in “The chosen one” (Las Elegidas),” it forms a critical foundation when comparing one of the movies concerning the European colonization of Latin America. Tita’s mother objects the union of her daughter and Pedro because Pedro is black[9]. Racial discrimination has been a central point of struggle for independence in many Latin countries.

Contextually, the tyranny and social injustices – encompassing violence and socio-economic inequalities were perpetuated by colonial masters (British, Spanish, and Portuguese) selfish interests that valued money than human interests[10]. Latin America is similar to those capture in the two movies. Social inequality engineered by colonialists negatively affected the Native Americans and the populations of African descent through the Slave trade and forced labor without pay- slavery benefited the selfish interests of the colonizer[11]. The native and foreign slaves were treated to harsh and inhuman conditions often with limited entitlements such as freedom of expression, speech, association, access to health care, and freedom to the civil union as in marriage[12]. Besides, slaves the brunt of poverty. The system intentionally put up mechanisms that ensure economic inequality is the disparity in both the Native Americans and African descent populations. Although the independence of Latin America came late in the late eighteenth century, slavery was not stopped until the Mexican revolution or the civil war[13]. It is worth noting that the Latin American struggle for independence was tied to British trading interests, and both were connected to slavery. It would take much more effort and manipulation to end slavery. To date, the post-independence era has not done much in stopping the dictatorial practices in most countries in Latin America, including Mexico, Cuba, and Colombia.  The government in the states continues to disregard the rule of law, carry out political purges, unlawful arrest, and stifling the voices of the opposition[14]. Moreover, violence and criminal gangs in illicit drug and human trafficking continue to be a significant security threat in most Latin American countries[15].

Conclusively, violence, social and economic inequalities, and slavery themes are prevalent in both movies. The custodian of cultural values and authority orchestrated social injustice through abuse of the powers bestowed on them, consequently creating undesirable outcomes such as violence, poverty, oppression as a tool to undermine the dissenting voices. The interaction of the characters, protagonists and antagonists, in the two movies helped to carve out the most disturbing themes-violence, slavery, racial discrimination, economic inequality- that transcend through time and societies to reflect the past and current cultural and historical manifestations in Latin America and the world at large. Consequently, there is a robust connection between the movie themes and the cultural and historical development of Latin America, in particular, Mexico.

Bibliography

Alfonso Arau. “Like Water For Chocolate, 2012. www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P1tGNsIjOA.

Bonner, Michelle D. “Law and Injustice in Latin America.” Latin American Politics and Society 50, no. 1 (2008): 169-83. Accessed May 19, 2020. www.jstor.org/stable/30130843.

Pablos. David. The chosen one” (Las Elegidas), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QyyJ1Su6-s&list=PL689kHFqj57GKLBg5UQ0DohODYzRD38l1.

Werner, Amy. “The Practicality of Slavery in Latin America.” Constructing the past,14, no. 1 (2013):12. Accessed May 19, 2020, www.digitalcommons.iwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1202&context=constructing

[1] Bonner, Michelle D. “Law and Injustice in Latin America.” Latin American Politics and Society 50, no. 1 (2008): 169-83

[2] Ibid

[3] Ibid

[4] Alfonso Arau. “Like Water For Chocolate, 2012

[5] Pablos. David. The chosen one” (Las Elegidas)

[6] Bonner, Michelle D. “Law and Injustice in Latin America.” Latin American Politics and Society 50, no. 1 (2008): 169-83.

[7] Alfonso Arau. “Like Water For Chocolate, 2012

[8] Pablos. David. The chosen one” (Las Elegidas)

[9] Alfonso Arau. “Like Water For Chocolate, 2012

[10] Werner, Amy. “The Practicality of Slavery in Latin America.” Constructing the Past,14, no. 1 (2013): 12.

[11] ibid

[12] ibid

[13] ibid

[14] Bonner, Michelle D. “Law and Injustice in Latin America.” Latin American Politics and Society 50, no. 1 (2008): 169-83

[15] ibid