(2/6/20) Los Tres Caballeros and Disney Film Representation

The film The Three Caballeros provides an interesting take on early 1900s conceptions of Latin America, and Latin Americans. Almost all of the "neighbors" were the idealized conception of Latin Americans from the "American" (meaning United States citizen/resident) point of view. They were attractive, fit, mestizo and dressed in traditional clothes that mainly the wealthy could afford. These conceptions were meant to portray a sense of opulence in Latin America that would make it attractive to United States investment, both economically, culturally, and familially. None of the actresses represented indigenous culture, it was all Spanish roots. Americans consume,, traditionally and currently, only the best of Latin America: from the best land, to the best food, to the best women, to the best culture (best being the most similar and understandable without empathy), etc. Therefore, idealized conceptions of Latin America increase the desire, particularly in white, wealthy, American males, who undoubtedly form much of the target audience, to consume these things in Latin America. The title of the film supports this reading. Caballeros, according to google, translates to Spanish or Mexican gentlemen. First, the idea of Spanish and Mexican is present, for the aforementioned familiarity, but also because of geographic roots of Mexico and Spain in current US territory of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, California, Nevada, and others. The culture that the two present birds inhabit is very much Spanish in nature, which explains the high-class feel because of lingering effects of the caste system. The conquistadores, idealistically, are portrayed as the pinnacle of human exploration and ruggedness. They are wild in the best meaning. The Cabelleros were wild in one of the worst ways: promiscuity (or at least the desire to be promiscuous. Their seemingly unquenchable desire for women mirrors the desire of the conquistadores for gold and glory. Further, I'm immediately reminded of the importation of prostitutes mentioned in the Werner Herzog documentary. The sexual urges are portrayed as uncontrollable desires, which is really just a lack of self control. To wrap up, representation can lead to consumption in a cause-effect relationship, but it can also lead people to consume culture incorrectly or haphazardly (as was the case in The Three Caballeros.)

As for the mini documentary, I think it's quite simple. Think of the audience, which is white, rich American males. In the 1930s and 40s, most of elite America lived in the northeast and midwest, in places like Chicago, New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington DC. In the winter, those places can seem like Antartica, so a tropical escape may be quite welcome. Some in the audience may have tried, and failed. However, Latin America provides a cheaper alternative with business possibilities. This film, to me, is a giant marketing ploy to rich American men to invest and spend time and money in Latin America. What better way than a subliminal message through a cartoon movie meant for kids (it's G rated despite many innuendos.) Many of the intended audience would be watching this with their families, and they could get an idea. The books of respective countries, and the mini-docs contained within, almost feel like a "Price is Right" or "Wheel of Fortune" promo for a new tropical vacation.