A History of Violence, Racism, and White Hegemony in Latin America The similarities and differences that arise in Latin Cinema help audiences understand the extensive history of the countries, from Spanish colonization to inequality in modern society. The history social, political, and cultural discourses are critically examined by directors because those issues directly affect the Latin population and the type of world they live in. It is said that there are at least two sides to every story, but Latin American governments have a history of only embracing one. Thankfully, these films broke away from the propaganda mold, and forced the world to step back and analyze the complete picture. Although there is a wide range of national issues dealt …show more content…
When the Spanish landed in the Latin Americans in the early 1500’s, they found a land ripe for the taking, and people to impose their ways of living on. Because they were technologically superior, the Spanish were able to impose their will on the natives with ease, and the violence that ensued would have long lasting effects in Latin society. The Spanish led by Hernando Cortes faced the native Mexicans led by Moctezoma in a battle over whose state would control the land. Although they were greatly outnumbered, the Spanish committed brutal atrocities and deceiving tactics that eventually led to the fall of the city of Tenochtitlan. The film demonstrates this complicated ordeal in a microcosmic, dramatic way. The native population consists of a small number of people, and when the Spanish surprise them, they show no resistance because of their shock and lack of weapons. In their initial encounter, the Spanish showed no compassion as they slaughtered all but three of the natives in the tomb. The scene’s violence is overt, a clear gunshot to the chest, the stabbing of an elderly woman, and other brutal killings set. It sets the general mood for the rest of the film where the native’s culture succumbs to the forceful nature of the Spanish