discussion board

Miller’s article explores the success of the Columbian telenovela “Betty la Fea”, in terms of its local and global appeal. However, it is both a cultural and economic product. The questions below are meant to stimulate your enagement with the readings, so please make sure to provide comprehensive answers. In addition, if you want to discuss other points, have questions, or want to make a comparaison with other cultrual products, please feel free to do so.

Part 1 – What did you learn about telenovelas that you did not know before? What are the three narrative elements that contributes to telenovelas’ universal popularity?

Part 2 – According to Miller, why is it troublesome “to claim a telenovela as a Colombian or Venezuelan product”? Why is “the fine line between global South and global North so faint that it may as well be nonexistent”? Do you agree, disagree? Why?

In your answer, discuss the role of production and distribution channels, of conglomerate interests.

Part 3 – In Chapter 5, Steger mentions three important themes of cultural globalization: (1) the tension between sameness and difference in the emerging global culture;

(2) the role of transnational media corporations in disseminating popular culture; (3) the globalization of languages.

How do you see these themes play out in the Miller (telenovela) article? You can choose to focus on only one theme, but please make sure to expand on your answer and make a solid link between the Steger and Miller readings.