LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE By: Stephanie Echevarria & Romy Garcia

Background Information  Director: Alfonso Arau  Release Date: February 1993  Genre: Drama, Romance  Also Know As: Como Agua Para Chocolate  Based on the novel written by Laura Esquivel

Mexican Revolution  Started in 1910 when the leadership of Porfino Diaz was challenged by Frnascisco I. Madero  People of all classes were fighting in this war  Everyone was dissatisfied with the leadership of the country and wanted to be freed from Diaz  This war marked the rise and fall of many leaders  War ends with the rise to presidency of Alvaro Obregon  However some violence continued well into the 1920’s

Machismo  The idea of strong or aggressive masculine pride  Examples from the film:  The need for a son to carry the family name  When Pedro settled for Rosaura’s hand in marriage. He would not give up on being close to Tita.  The priest telling Mama Elena she needs a man in the house to protect her and the family.

Marianismo  “Mary-ism”  The idea that women must reflect the Catholic deal of the Virgin Mary  Examples from the film:  Elena disowned Gertrudis when she found out she worked out at a brothel.  When Rosaura and Pedro got married, they used a white sheet with a hole to have sex for procreation only.  Tita felt she couldn’t marry the doctor because she was not a virgin.

Questions  What are some other examples of Machismo in the film?  What are some other examples of Marianismo in the film?  Does Pedro fit the machismo profile?  What is Mama Elena’s role in the machismo vs. marianismo situation?

Hombres y Machos: Masculinity and Latino Culture

3 Explanations For Hypermasculinity  Direct result of the Spanish Conquest  Obsessed with aggressive images of men from war  Emphasis on masculinity has been there since the natives  Imposed on the Indians just like Catholicism, foods, and diseases were imposed on them.  Pre-Columbian origin  Aztecs were divided based on gender; Men’s job was to wage war

Questions  What are some reasons for strong masculinity in today’s world?  What are some traditional views on masculine and feminine roles?  How are traditional views in some what similar to our views on gender roles today?  How are they different?

The End

Bibliography  Alfredo Mirandé, Hombres y Machos: Masculinity and Latino Culture, “Genesis of Mexican Masculinity” (p. 29 – 42), “Masculinity: Traditional and Emergent Views” (p. 81 – 99).Hombres y Machos: Masculinity and Latino Culture  -davi.htm