General Discussion - Relaciones Peligrosas

[spherical07]

I thought the actors said they did kiss and that they weren't sure exactly why it wasn't totally aired. I don't know what's going on, but I'm a bit irritated by this thrust ahead, its just out of the blue. We had to watch Mau and Miranda's story for two weeks, which was a test in sanity for those who actually watched the two weeks, and we got hardly any build up at all for Ale/Diego. This show is an hour long, there is enough room for more than one story per show.

[Duskysoda]

Apr 20, 2012 19:06:57 GMT -5 Zathras said:

So this turn was abrupt. Is this common in telenovelas? I was hoping for a bit more continuity and coherence in the storyline. We know that deep down Diego was feeling something, but after the drunken kiss he showed no outward signs of progressing toward acceptance. And the last time Ale tried to kiss him, he pushed him away. So what made Diego let it happen this time? Don't get me wrong, this should push things along nicely; it just feels a bit sudden.

I'm disappointed they didn't show the kiss. I'm not sure why that is, though I don't think we can discount anything. It almost looked to me like they didn't even film a kiss (just a guess on my part). In a general sense, isn't it usually the networks that censor things like this? It seems like usually the shows (actors, writers, directors, etc.) want to do it, but the network usually stops or censors it. Hmm.

If you are looking for skillful writing, smooth plot transitions and character development, telenovelas are not for you. Plus it seems this particular gay storyline has terrified R.P's Producers or Telemundo and got them in such a panic mode that they have abandoned how they had originally planned to unveil the Ale-Diego Story. This is true if you believe the actors when they say the have taped kissing scenes and were surprised they were not shown.

[spherical07]

I'm not looking for traditional soap opera style stories, but I do expect that if you're touting a gay storyline that you show it. Does no one at Telemundo have any balls?

[Ómar]

Jonathan (Diego) said in his twitcam that they had filmed the first kiss, but he had no idea why it was censored. He was the only one to say this. Kevin (Ale) hasn't said anything about it. But tomorrow if his twitcam. And I'm sorry for those non Spanish speaking viewers, but the twicams are always in Spanish. At least those are the only ones they've answered so far.

I'm going to try and ask him to see what is going on, but he can't give spoilers. So that's a downside.

And today so far, Diego's dad continued to ask him about the dinner Nora is to have with him and her parents.

[Duskysoda]

Apr 20, 2012 21:44:32 GMT -5 Ómar said:

Jonathan (Diego) said in his twitcam that they had filmed the first kiss, but he had no idea why it was censored. He was the only one to say this. Kevin (Ale) hasn't said anything about it. But tomorrow if his twitcam. And I'm sorry for those non Spanish speaking viewers, but the twicams are always in Spanish. At least those are the only ones they've answered so far.

I'm going to try and ask him to see what is going on, but he can't give spoilers. So that's a downside.

And today so far, Diego's dad continued to ask him about the dinner Nora is to have with him and her parents.

You'd think he'd ask about the non-kiss he saw... but... haha

[Ómar]

Apr 20, 2012 22:03:50 GMT -5 Duskysoda said:

Apr 20, 2012 21:44:32 GMT -5 Ómar said:

Jonathan (Diego) said in his twitcam that they had filmed the first kiss, but he had no idea why it was censored. He was the only one to say this. Kevin (Ale) hasn't said anything about it. But tomorrow if his twitcam. And I'm sorry for those non Spanish speaking viewers, but the twicams are always in Spanish. At least those are the only ones they've answered so far.

I'm going to try and ask him to see what is going on, but he can't give spoilers. So that's a downside.

And today so far, Diego's dad continued to ask him about the dinner Nora is to have with him and her parents.

You'd think he'd ask about the non-kiss he saw... but... haha

I forgot to mention that Dr. Barón talked with an open minded patient (Santiago's Dad) about homosexuality being a curable disease (he even mentioned a doctor that found the cure I think), and Santiago's dad contradict him on that this was after sending Diego the text about the dinner, so he was clearly thinking about what he saw.

[techguy]

Apr 20, 2012 21:44:32 GMT -5 Ómar said:

Jonathan (Diego) said in his twitcam that they had filmed the first kiss, but he had no idea why it was censored. He was the only one to say this. Kevin (Ale) hasn't said anything about it. But tomorrow if his twitcam. And I'm sorry for those non Spanish speaking viewers, but the twicams are always in Spanish. At least those are the only ones they've answered so far.

I'm going to try and ask him to see what is going on, but he can't give spoilers. So that's a downside.

And today so far, Diego's dad continued to ask him about the dinner Nora is to have with him and her parents.

I remember I saw a post on Kevin's facebook page, on which he comments "there are things we have no control of", regarding the first censored kiss.

[Duskysoda]

hilarious ( and pathetic) ,,, in 2012 an American (yes,, latino) soap having one of it's characters talking about being gay as a curable disease....It is as if they believe Hispanic viewers have views circa 1960 on being gay....

[Ómar]

Apr 21, 2012 0:37:59 GMT -5 Duskysoda said:

hilarious ( and pathetic) ,,, in 2012 an American (yes,, latino) soap having one of it's characters talking about being gay as a curable disease....It is as if they believe Hispanic viewers have views circa 1960 on being gay....

I'm pretty sure it's not just Hispanics. Today, many Europeans still think like that, even though they tend to be more open minded than Americans. And I'm pretty sure that in most shows and soaps, there's always a character that thinks homosexuality is a disease or something similar. They may not talk about a scientific cure in specific, but they think it can be cured in another way. So I don't find it pathetic, but rather normal for a homophobe to think like that. Don't forget that there are still people today doing scientific research to "cure" homosexuality. And there are even those that say by taking God in you, you become straight (And I happen to actually be a practicing catholic, but I don't believe that crap). My sister knows two gay guys that sadly think they are straight for taking God in them, and it's still 2012. So what do you know, it happens in real life too. It's called, "Being Brainwashed".

[fabfairy]

Apr 20, 2012 21:44:32 GMT -5 Ómar said:

Jonathan (Diego) said in his twitcam that they had filmed the first kiss, but he had no idea why it was censored. He was the only one to say this. Kevin (Ale) hasn't said anything about it. But tomorrow if his twitcam. And I'm sorry for those non Spanish speaking viewers, but the twicams are always in Spanish. At least those are the only ones they've answered so far.

I'm going to try and ask him to see what is going on, but he can't give spoilers. So that's a downside.

And today so far, Diego's dad continued to ask him about the dinner Nora is to have with him and her parents.

What spoilers the show has been spoilted already by having a non gay storyline.

[mycatfox]

Apr 21, 2012 1:03:34 GMT -5 Ómar said:

Apr 21, 2012 0:37:59 GMT -5 Duskysoda said:

hilarious ( and pathetic) ,,, in 2012 an American (yes,, latino) soap having one of it's characters talking about being gay as a curable disease....It is as if they believe Hispanic viewers have views circa 1960 on being gay....

I'm pretty sure it's not just Hispanics. Today, many Europeans still think like that, even though they tend to be more open minded than Americans. And I'm pretty sure that in most shows and soaps, there's always a character that thinks homosexuality is a disease or something similar. They may not talk about a scientific cure in specific, but they think it can be cured in another way. So I don't find it pathetic, but rather normal for a homophobe to think like that. Don't forget that there are still people today doing scientific research to "cure" homosexuality. And there are even those that say by taking God in you, you become straight (And I happen to actually be a practicing catholic, but I don't believe that crap). My sister knows two gay guys that sadly think they are straight for taking God in them, and it's still 2012. So what do you know, it happens in real life too. It's called, "Being Brainwashed".

I believe that to keep mentioning those stupid (and pernicious) beliefs is a way to perpetuating them, even if that is not the intention of the soap. If you're addressing an issue that your particular audience still considers it's very controversial, you've got to be very careful. I'm not happy at all with the way the novela has been handling this almost non-existent storyline. By failing to fulfill what it promised, apart from deceiving its general viewers, Telemundo is not really helping Latino gay teenagers. "It gets better"...but apparently not so much

That's how I see it

[Zathras]

So ... Diego is now worried that his father knows something about the kiss (and/or his being gay). Or maybe paranoid is a better word. I guess that's normal for someone in his situation (just figuring out about himself and not wanting anyone to know). I really wish they devoted some more screen time to the story and fleshed it out a bit more.

I thought it was interesting how Diego's father (Victor) explicitly referenced "Dr." Bachmann (at 1:48 in Anthony's clip). I'm assuming he's referring to the husband of ex-presidential-hopeful Michele Bachmann. For those who haven't been following it, Bachmann has questionable credentials yet runs a counseling business that practices "reparative therapy," and she's been an anti-gay activist for years. Sadly they come from my state of Minnesota .

[spherical07]

I've seen people who are gay try to live as straight, try as you might, you can't deny who you really are.

I don't know what the hell is up with Diego, but I'm really hoping the s*it hits the fan at this long awaited dinner.

[Duskysoda]

Apr 21, 2012 1:03:34 GMT -5 Ómar said:

Apr 21, 2012 0:37:59 GMT -5 Duskysoda said:

hilarious ( and pathetic) ,,, in 2012 an American (yes,, latino) soap having one of it's characters talking about being gay as a curable disease....It is as if they believe Hispanic viewers have views circa 1960 on being gay....

I'm pretty sure it's not just Hispanics. Today, many Europeans still think like that, even though they tend to be more open minded than Americans. And I'm pretty sure that in most shows and soaps, there's always a character that thinks homosexuality is a disease or something similar. They may not talk about a scientific cure in specific, but they think it can be cured in another way. So I don't find it pathetic, but rather normal for a homophobe to think like that. Don't forget that there are still people today doing scientific research to "cure" homosexuality. And there are even those that say by taking God in you, you become straight (And I happen to actually be a practicing catholic, but I don't believe that crap). My sister knows two gay guys that sadly think they are straight for taking God in them, and it's still 2012. So what do you know, it happens in real life too. It's called, "Being Brainwashed".

There are plenty of repulsive views that still exist. But this show is giving a platform for them without properly challenging them. That colleague of Diego's Father should have forcefully shot those views down. He was rather mild in disputing them. Thanks to Telemundo and RP ,,,,viewers get a destructive interpretation of being gay,, that it is changeable and the message that being gay is shameful and deserves to be hidden from view. That of course was the loud and clear message from the show's failure to show Ale and Diego's simple kisses. It is disgraceful and deserves only condemnation from people who think young gay kids should have a chance to grow up proud and without shame

[mycatfox]

Dusky...I have to say that I totally agree with everything you said

[Ómar]

Duskysoda, I would agree with you about Armando not shutting those ideas down, but if he had, it would have been either weird or awkward. Armando was there to talk about a marrow transplant for his granddaughter to save her life which also means that he's at the risk of dying (since his heart might not stand the anesthetic). And he's doing this behind his son's back, he doesn't want him to know because then Santiago won't let Armando do the transplant or it will get delayed more. I believe any person in his place would not want to argue with his doctor over a controversial topic, especially since Hector didn't say he was talking about Diego. And Armando is more worried about granddaughter than anything else.

[Hawthorne]

There was spooky music playing when Diego's dad was talking about how homosexuality can be cured and I thought that other guy shot down what he said pretty effectively. Diego's dad is clearly being portrayed as a villain in this matter, so I don't see the show as giving a platform to destructive ideas about homosexuality. The show is actually filming the kisses, too, so I don't see the show as the main problem. It's the network.

The second Diego-Ale "kiss" showed a lot more than the first one, so maybe the network wants to ease into showing gay kisses. Maybe there will be an actual kiss near the very end of the show.

BTW, will Ale meet the same fate as his counterpart in the Spanish version? I hope not.

[Isabella]

The writers of the show seem to be saying, "Oh, homosexuality could possibly be a disease but if you are gay, don't kill yourself because suicide is never the answer. But seriously, limit your exposure, nobody wants to see that shit."

[HQ75]

I don't see the SHOW saying that homosexuality is a disease.

Diego's homophobic father thinks this. So far, he is the only one.

It is a very common belief amongst homophobic people. It is very realistic to portray this.

There are many scientists and doctors who allow their belief in religion to influence them in other ways.

Diego's father is no different.

Just because he says this doesn't mean the other characters on the show believe it or that the writers of the show believe it.

VERY CLEARLY, his patient (who I believe is the father of one of the teachers?) doesn't believe him and thinks his views on homosexuality are wrong.

Diego's father is only ONE character who may be a doctor but he's not a hero of the show (mean, chauvinist, insulting to his child and rude to his child's friends) and he's not infallible.

The only reason he is excited about Nora is because he THINKS it means Diego isn't gay (in his mind, I doubt's he's thinking about bisexuality at all).

It's not like the viewers of the show who aren't homophobic will suddenly turn so because of this one character. He is willfully ignorant (just like millions of well educated, homophobic people in the real world).

To not represent that perspective would be unrealistic, IMO

I wish people would stop stereotyping folks of Spanish speaking decent as conservative and homophobic. Some are, some aren't. That's just fact.

Millions of people all around the world of all different religions believe that homosexuality is a sin or a sickness. This is not a belief that is special to people who speak Spanish.

This show only represents the specific haracters it has written, it's not some gateway into the psyche of all Latino/Hispanic peoples and cultures.

[Ómar]

Hawthorne, it could be possible that easing up could happen. I mean, if I remember correctly, the only Telemundo novela where there were a max number of same sex kisses was two. In here there has been two already. (just not shown) and we still have about 70 more episodes to go. (it's somewhat confirmed that the novela will be around 120-130 episodes) So if there will be more kisses, then it could be that we'll see more and more as you have said.

Isabella, I don't agree with that at all. How are they saying "limit your exposure"?? If there were tying to say that, then they wouldn't have even bother with telling the viewers a kiss was happening. And "homosexuality could possibly be a disease"?? Really?? If you have never heard of it, you must be living under a rock. I'm pretty sure everyone in the world has heard either the "it's a disease", "it's something to do in the head", "it's genetics", or something else. This just acknowledges that some people think like that, but it's not saying at all it could be that.

HQ75, thank you!!!!! You pointed out it was only Diego's dad thinking about it like a disease (Mauricio's Dad is homophobic, but not as extreme as Hector). And those Doctors definitely make it seem like homosexuality is a disease because they are doctors!! And doctors tend to be credible sources. I would also add in that Diego's dad will turn around (hopefully and mostly likely) and that will show the viewer that it isn't a disease depending on how Hector accepts his son's homosexuality. and a millions thanks for pointing this out:

I wish people would stop stereotyping folks of Spanish speaking decent as conservative and homophobic. Some are, some aren't. That's just fact.
Millions of people all around the world of all different religions believe that homosexuality is a sin or a sickness. This is not a belief that is special to people who speak Spanish.

This show only represents the specific haracters it has written, it's not some gateway into the psyche of all Latino/Hispanic peoples and cultures.

Not all Hispanics think like this. Spain happens to be the most open minded in this (yes they are Hispanic, just not Latinos). Next would probably be Argentina fallowed by Mexico (there's actually a small place in Mexico where some indigenous people think its a blessing from God to be homosexual). They are opening more and more up. The rest of the countries are either fallowing or catching up. And with so much diversity of Latinos in the US, it's best to lean more to a conservative side and progress from there. After all, the younger generations usually watch English shows, and the older generations watch shows in Spanish. (The older generations in the US tend to be more conservative in this topic as well). I'm a good example of this since I fall under the younger generation. Most of the time I watch something in English, while my older relatives like shows in Spanish instead. So I'm not completely sure how far Telemundo is willing go to get the younger generations to watch it's network, though they are trying.


And I want to point this out. None of the Latino countries (Brazil being Latino as well) don't have death sentencing or imprisonment like in other countries (the ones that do and are in South America are actually not Latinos). So at least be glad things are not running like that. Plus, Latin America IS NOT a country, so stereotyping Latinos all together is wrong. It's composed of many countries. Spanish and Portuguese (in one of the countries) is just the common denominator. However, there are different backgrounds, colors, races, religions, etc. We don't all think the same. It's very diverse.

[Isabella]

Isabella, I don't agree with that at all. How are they saying "limit your exposure"?? If there were tying to say that, then they wouldn't have even bother with telling the viewers a kiss was happening. And "homosexuality could possibly be a disease"?? Really?? If you have never heard of it, you must be living under a rock. I'm pretty sure everyone in the world has heard either the "it's a disease", "it's something to do in the head", "it's genetics", or something else. This just acknowledges that some people think like that, but it's not saying at all it could be that.

I was being facetious. I'm also completely aware of the phrase's existence. My point was that the show isn't making a very good impression in it's portrayal of gays. Whenever there is an intimate moment between them, it cuts away. Other than those moments, they barely have any interaction or screen-time at all. Despite being an almost completely pointless character AND a mediocre actor, Diego STILL gets more screen-time than Ale. With his GIRLFRIEND. Do you get what I'm saying now? Obviously the show isn't trying to preach that being gay is a disease. Someone can be homophobic without hating gays (whether they're uncomfortable around them or think other people are) or thinking that it's wrong. I don't think the show is against gays, but they're clearly still not comfortable with the subject, or the public's possible reaction to it.

[Deleted]

Uh oh Diego's father told him he saw the kiss

[Deleted]

hopefully the story continues the rest of the week

[Deleted]

I'M GLAD DIEGO SAID THAT HE WASN'T A SICK PERSON FOR KISSING ALEJANDRO AND WOW HIS FATHER ACTUALLY GAVE HIM A BOOK ON HOW TO CURE HOMOSEXUALITY

[Duskysoda]

Apr 22, 2012 15:59:59 GMT -5 HQ75 said:

I don't see the SHOW saying that homosexuality is a disease.

Diego's homophobic father thinks this. So far, he is the only one.

It is a very common belief amongst homophobic people. It is very realistic to portray this.

There are many scientists and doctors who allow their belief in religion to influence them in other ways.

Diego's father is no different.

Just because he says this doesn't mean the other characters on the show believe it or that the writers of the show believe it.

VERY CLEARLY, his patient (who I believe is the father of one of the teachers?) doesn't believe him and thinks his views on homosexuality are wrong.

Diego's father is only ONE character who may be a doctor but he's not a hero of the show (mean, chauvinist, insulting to his child and rude to his child's friends) and he's not infallible.

The only reason he is excited about Nora is because he THINKS it means Diego isn't gay (in his mind, I doubt's he's thinking about bisexuality at all).

It's not like the viewers of the show who aren't homophobic will suddenly turn so because of this one character. He is willfully ignorant (just like millions of well educated, homophobic people in the real world).

To not represent that perspective would be unrealistic, IMO

I wish people would stop stereotyping folks of Spanish speaking decent as conservative and homophobic. Some are, some aren't. That's just fact.

Millions of people all around the world of all different religions believe that homosexuality is a sin or a sickness. This is not a belief that is special to people who speak Spanish.

This show only represents the specific haracters it has written, it's not some gateway into the psyche of all Latino/Hispanic peoples and cultures

Mainstream American TV shows are not doing story lines in 2012 like RP is currently doing. They are doing this Storyline in particular because in my opinion the viewpoints held by the characters in RP touch some kind of chord in the audience RP is trying to reach and the audience that tunes in nightly to watch the program... Sure,, it's not unique but an english version of RP let's say on ABC and NBC would not last long without protest. The various gay groups would swing into action to bring it down. Gays on RP seem similar to the kind of treatment gays received on American TV back in the 70's... take a look at "soap" and "Three's Company".. programs laced with homophobia. I read somewhere that's where RP's main core audience might currently be stuck.. back in the 70s...