The Importance Of "Jane The Virgin"
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Importance Of "Jane The Virgin"

The show that proved Latinos can be more than stereotypes

303
The Importance Of "Jane The Virgin"
International Business Times

"Jane the Virgin" is the only TV show with a predominantly Latino cast currently on air. The CW’s comedy-drama is an adaptation from a Venezuelan telenovela, and fans are eagerly waiting for the third season to begin. To those who are not familiar with the show, "Jane the Virgin" is about Jane Villanueva, a young virgin-waitress, who becomes artificially inseminated. The main story, without a doubt, is full of hyperboles and exaggerations. This can be expected due to the fact the show follows the telenovela format. However, "Jane the Virgin" has proved to be far more than just a show with high ratings due to the value it has placed on its Latino characters.

As a Latina, I can definitely say "Jane the Virgin" has become one of my favorite shows. I feel as if for the first time in my life I have a show I can watch and relate to. Finally, I have a Latina character I can identify myself with. As a matter of fact, I have a whole Latino cast I can identify my whole family with. For starters, Jane is a young Latina who is preparing to graduate from college and then proceeds to move on to graduate school. Yeah, sure she got artificially inseminated and ended up pregnant, but guess what? Jane does not let her pregnancy stop her from getting her master's. Even better, ladies and gentlemen, prepare yourselves because, you guessed it! For once the Latina did not end up 16 and pregnant! Yes, we finally have a successful Latina character who is educated, smart and independent. Sorry, Sophia Vergara, but your character as Gloria has nothing on Gina Rodriguez as Jane. This, my friends, is something the whole Latino community should be proud of.

The most important part of this show is the fact that in the past two seasons, not a single episode has dared to portray any of the Latino characters as a stereotype. Instead, the show utilizes its cast to portray the role family, religion and faith have on the Villanueva household. To many Latinos, this is a big deal because these are some of the fundamentals many of us were raised with. Most importantly, "Jane the Virgin" goes as far as displaying the story from the point of view of three different generations. No show has done a better job at depicting how it truly is to have a member in the family that does not know how to speak English. Alba may not know English, but she sure can understand!

I am not going to deny that sometimes the telenovela aspect can get a bit too cheesy and exaggerated, but at the end of the day, that’s why I love "Jane the Virgin." At last, a telenovela themed show for my generation! Whoever said we needed to tune into Univision and Telemundo in order to watch a telenovela in Spanish was way wrong. Thanks to the CW and Alba, Jane’s grandmother, we can enjoy the juicy telenovela drama with some wise advice in Spanish from the comfort of an English speaking network.

"Jane the Virgin" simply proves that America is changing and we are becoming a diverse country with diverse backgrounds. This is why "Jane the Virgin" has been so successful. Gina Rodriguez proved success comes to those who adapt when she won the CW its first-ever Golden Globe award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Comedy or Musical. Most importantly, it shows how having a diverse cast can be possible. Maybe Hollywood will take "Jane the Virgin" as an example and will begin to hire actors of color.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

96825
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments