Anthropology 2351
El Mariachi (Robert Rodriguez director) QUESTIONS
1.
Does El Mariachi, Moco (the drug lord) or Azul (the original gunman) exhibit
machismo. Why or Why not? (this should include Morales’ idea and his “AngloAmerican” definition since both apply)
2.
Cite an example (or examples) for or against the lead character exhibiting
Machismo in the film.
3.
Is the lead character a valiente? Why or why not?
4.
Does the female lead character exhibit Marianismo (and the 3 stereotypes)? Why
or Why not? Do you see her as a strong or weak woman?
5.
Does she exhibit Marianismo “perfectly” or do you notice “oppositional”
elements to the stereotype/role exhibited in her behavior? Discuss this issue.
6.
Cite an example or examples of her exhibiting Marianismo in the film.
7.
Are power relations between the genders (as exhibited by the film) egalitarian or
based in inequality? Offer reasons for your belief.
8.
Discuss elements of Mexican culture exhibited by the film.
9.
Do you think that these elements actually represent Mexican culture or are they
merely added to make the film entertaining. Argue this point pro or con.
10.
Earlier in the semester, we discussed the ideas of “power” and “authority” (power
+ legitimacy = authority). Another idea is that organized crime can be seen as a
political structure (power) as well as a criminal organization. In light of these
ideas, discuss the power/authority relations between the “authorities” (police etc.)
and the criminal organization. In your discussion, note which group is more
powerful.
NOTES AND TERMS FOR EL MARIACHI
Valiente—definition—valiant, courageous and brave
Greenberg claims that this term refers to an individual involved in a blood feud.
In his text on rural Mexico, it is implied that this is an honor based (honor has been lost
by the individual in question) idea dealing with revenge. Events such as the loss of one’s
land to a rich landowner or politics can be contributing factors in creation of a valiente.
Greenberg notes in his text that individuals were being killed and that one man
(Emiliano) had been made a “marked” man as part of a political conflict. Emiliano’s two
choices were to become a valiente and seek revenge or his own death (essentially to
accept death as the probable outcome), or he could flee (to protect other members of his
family or to be a coward). In the region Greenberg works with, it is a problem to be seen
as a coward. It should be noted that fleeing to protect ones family is only somewhat
accepted by others and there will always be those who would label it cowardly.
Machismo—there are many varying definitions
Bacigalupe—machismo is often used to explain the “violence” that Latino men exert
over women (despite gender violence being found throughout the world).
Denis Brandt, Fand and Quiroz—agree and say that machismo is the underlying element
in the violence exerted against women.
Quiroz—sees it as similar to racism and classism because it causes inequality.
Morales—says it refers to a man’s responsibility to provide for, protect and defend his
family. His loyalty and sense of responsibility to family, friends and community make
him a good man
Morales’ “Anglo-American” definition—it describes sexist male-chauvinist behavior
Guttman claims that many of the images that anthropologists have been creating
about the Mexican working class are erroneous and harmful to the populace. A typical
Mexican man is often (stereotypically) portrayed as a hard drinking philandering macho,
an idea that ignores the practice of fatherhood by most Mexican men. He notes that
macho can contain elements of “the brutish,” “the cowardly,” or “the gallant” depending
upon the era and the sector of Mexican society. According to his ethnography women in
Mexico City often acknowledge the presence of machos, but that husbands and sons are
seen as different (exceptions to the macho rule). It should be observed here that it
appears that individuals who are not liked by the community or commit some “macho”
appearing acts may acquire this label. Essentially, it is “the Other” (not “us”) who is seen
as being macho (there may, of course, be actual machos). Many Mexican men are aware
of their portrayal in the Social Sciences (“Anglo-American” Machismo), but the reality is
that the beliefs and practices of many men do not match up to this image. The Social
Science view does influence some of the populace (male and female) and can influence
behavior (after all intellectuals/authorities are claiming it to be true).
Marianismo—is seen as the “cult” of long-suffering Latin American women. The
stereotype concerning women is that they are 1) submissive 2) self-sacrificing 3) longsuffering. Modern (and in some cases historic) Latin American women are involved in
political movements and act as leaders on occasion. This is seen as a break from these
traditional roles.