Using Textual Analysis Of Jorge In Madtv's 'Taco Hell'

This paper will analyze the vocal body of Jorge in MADtv’s “Taco Hell” skit by using textual analysis to find aspects of Mock Spanish, semiotics, and racism associated with Spanish speaking immigrants. The concept of White Public Space is related to appropriating the accepted use of Spanish to specific locations and events is seen through the interactions between Jorge and the customers. The disregard for proper Spanish is seen through the hyper anglicized pronunciations of menu items that use “Spanish” morphology and semantic pejoration to add false Latin authenticity to the food being served. Jorge’s tone and tune of voice help exemplify his vocal body as attention is drawn to his heavy accent. Even though Jorge represents an ideal Latino

Hill’s concept of Mock Spanish is clearly portrayed throughout the “Taco Hell” skit. The skit begins with a feed up customer that has been patiently waiting for his food. Jorge’s manager Loretta proceeds to ask him why he is taking so long on making a “Nito-Nachorito”. Spanish Morphology is used to poke fun at Mexican restaurants that use ridiculous names to give false authenticity to their menu items. (Hill, ) “Nito-Nachorito” uses -o as a modifier to make the food item seem more authentic when it is a play on words that devalues the Spanish language. Loretta proceeds to place Jorge in front as a cashier which leads him to be greeted by a customer ordering a “Whole-lada-Tostalada”. Jorge mocks the customer by naming more food items that utilize “Spanish” Morphology, “how about I add a piñata then you have a heart smart whole-lata Tostalada piñata?” The counter aggression that Jorge offers to the customer challenges the idea of a White Public Space. Taco Hell is a parody of the popular fast food chain Taco Bell that is often considered a White Public Space. Very rarely do you see customers interact with the cashier in Spanish at Taco Bell. Therefore,

The skit proceeds to show another customer come to the counter and attempt to order a soup. Before he even attempts to order the soup, he explains to Jose that he’s “probably pronouncing it wrong”. The customer pronounces the soup as “supa de la horina” in a very hyper anglicized tone. To Jorge and anyone who watches this skit and knows Spanish, the customer clearly ordered and attempted to pronounce urine soup, “sopa de la orina”. The hyper anglicized pronunciation of “sopa de la orina” shows how many Anglos view Spanish as a non-serious casual language. Jorge calls the customer out about his horrible anglicized pronunciation by informing him about what he just