Is this really the face of Mexican-Americans today? (image via imdb.com)
Based on various reviews–and a post right here on the Extra blog–”Work It” is undoubtedly one of the most offensive shows to debut as of late. And there’s another show that promises to be equally awful (and more than mildly racist): “Rob,” the sitcom starring Rob Schneider, who marries a beautiful Mexican-American woman and thus, marries into a big, loud Mexican-American family and wackiness ensues. (BTW, the original title for this show was ¡Rob!, but that has supposedly since been changed, which might be this show’s only redeeming quality.)
To clarify, I haven’t watched the pilot (and I don’t really intend to). But I’ve read about it extensively and I’ve watched enough clips to know it’s another attempt at reaching out to the Latino audience that fails rather miserably. I wasn’t sure why Rob Schneider, of all people, is the one behind this show but as it turns out, he married Mexican television producer Patricia Azarcoya Arce in April of 2011 and this is somehow “inspired” by that. But I have to wonder if upon meeting his new wife’s giant Mexican family, he joked that the reason why there is undoubtedly so many people is because as Catholics, birth control is never used. Or “accidentally” assaulted a non-English speaking family member (in this show’s case, a grandmother) in what is meant to be an embarrassing/funny situation that isn’t. (And yes, according to the previews, all these things happen in the first episode.)
I have to say that I’m really disappointed to see Cheech Marin and Eugenio Derbez, two well-known (and well-liked) Mexican comedians involved in this project. Marin’s character, Fernando, is the father of the bride and portrayed as completely anti-immigration because he “doesn’t need anymore competition.” Derbez is the shady undocumented uncle, Hector, who immediately tries to hit up Rob for money and says he’s visiting for the weekend from Mexico (before slyly telling him that he’s actually never leaving). How is this supposed to be funny? Making light of on-going issues in the Mexican-American community has never made me laugh, and that’s not about to change anytime soon.
According Jace Lacob’s own scathing review, the pilot episode shows that there isn’t a single Latino credited among the writers or producers. This leads me to assume that most of the “jokes” written are based on various well-known cultural markers and stereotypes that are poorly dressed up to appear funny or entertaining. I don’t have to watch to expect mentions of tacos and margaritas or possibly see someone in a sombero for no real reason. Am I, as Spanish-speaking Mexican-American, used to this sort of stuff? Sadly, yes. Has it really ever been funny? No, it hasn’t.
“Ugly Betty” was a show, that for any and all of its faults, did the Mexican community some justice while still being funny and inspiring. Betty, who was really never “ugly” if you ask me, was a hard-working, career-oriented young woman who sometimes struggled to balance her job and family life. It dealt with immigration with Ignacio’s possible deportation issues. It also reached out to the gay community with Justin’s on-going storyline. It’s hard to believe that in the time since that show has ended, there has been anything in mainstream television that has managed to show Mexican-Americans in a normal, positive light. In 2012, this is how far we’ve come: we get a show like “Rob” and not much else.
For the curious, “Rob” premieres tomorrow night on CBS. You’ve been warned.
I had the pleasure of meeting Tijoux at the Latin Alternative Music Conference is New York City two years ago. Very talkative, educated and charming, Tijoux spoke to us about her climb to the top. In addition, I was also lucky enough to catch her performance at Lollapalooza last year, where she packed the house. People of all different shapes, colors and backgrounds were there, waving their hands, dancing with her music and some were even singing along.
