Answer

Analysis and Discussion of the Documentary “The Latino-America Experience Part I of IV

The documentary entitled, “The Latino-America Experience Part I of IV” features the thematic issue of skin-color stratification or colorism, which is among the major themes covered by Golash-Boza (2017).  Golash-Boza (2017) argues that the preference for light skin within the Americas seems to trace its roots to the era of colonization. This argument is evident in the film in that the Mulattos are depicted to have more privileges over local people. The Mulattos were products of the racial intermarriages between the Europeans and the Indigenous people. In the film, the Mulattos are depicted to have lighter skins than the Indigenous or local people, who are darker in complexion. By virtue of being Mulattos, families such as the Ramires and the Lugos enjoy more privileges over the local or indigenous people. Examples of such privileges are access to land, resources, laborers, and slaves. Therefore, it can be noted that the treatment of Mulattos in the film draws a parallel to the preferential treatment granted to individuals of mixed Dutch-Indonesian ancestry by the Japanese colonial authorities in Indonesia in 1942 as suggested by Golash-Boza (2017).

Apart from being depicted in the film, colorism continues to take root in the present society, whereby the lighter skin is valued over the darker one.  Golash-Boza (2017) asserts that women with lighter skin tone are perceived as more beautiful that women with darker skin color. My personal life experience can relate to this argument. Being an Indian girl of fair skin, I have often experienced situations where I am favored over my Indian girlfriend, who has a darker skin tone. For example, in restaurants, attendants always inquire from me about our orders and not from my girlfriend. Besides, the waitresses and waiters often serve me first before moving to serve my girlfriend. As such, the theme of colorism covered in the documentary relates to my personal experience and opinions of Golash-Boza (2017) regarding skin color stratification.