Introduction to Narrative Sovereignty
A few years ago, I began contemplating the concept of narrative sovereignty while engaging with artists from various disciplines. If we discuss energy, food, or political sovereignty, why not narrative sovereignty? Let me explain.
The Bechdel Test: A Tool for Gender Evaluation in Media
About twenty years ago, I was introduced to a very useful tool called the Bechdel Test. Created by cartoonist Alison Bechdel (ironic, isn’t it?), the test measures a film’s gender bias. The test is simple: if a movie features at least two named female characters who converse about something other than men, it passes the test. I encourage you to apply this test to your favorite films from twenty years ago and be shocked by the results. The Bechdel Test has helped feminists illustrate how our presence in cinematic narratives is limited and stereotyped, though it still persists to varying degrees.
Applying Narrative Sovereignty to Mexico
What if we create a similar questionnaire regarding Mexico? How many films or series (as they now hold more weight) portray Mexican characters, the country as a setting or character, perpetuating stereotypes that pose a risk to our national security?
How many stories have we seen that only depict us as narcos, corruption, violence, misogyny, bloodshed, chaos, and death? Am I saying we don’t have these issues? Of course not. We are a complex nation, full of contradictions and circumstances. However, we are not just “evil.” Let’s take misogyny as an example: compared to North America, Mexico is the most gender-equal country in legislative and judicial power, being the only one with a female president in its history. In other North American countries, women’s representation in politics does not exceed 30%, and they have never had a female president.
Historical Media Bias Against Mexico
Mexico has been poorly represented in cinematic narratives for centuries. When Spain began its colonization, Tenochtitlan was the largest city globally, with 200,000 inhabitants. Its urban design, waste management, water, and sanitation systems surpassed those of many European cities.
After 500 years of hearing that our cultures are inferior, how many years have we watched films and series portraying our cultures as inferior, corrupt, and beyond redemption?
I find it hard to reconcile these narratives with reality.
“How much narrative do we have about who we truly are?” This is the crux of the matter, as Cantinflas from black-and-white films would say.
Author Bio
Ana Francis Mor
#SuSecrechula
Key Questions and Answers
- What is narrative sovereignty? Narrative sovereignty refers to the control and representation of stories about a particular group, culture, or nation. It emphasizes authenticity and challenges stereotypes perpetuated by media.
- Why is narrative sovereignty important for Mexico? Narrative sovereignty is crucial for Mexico to counteract harmful stereotypes and misrepresentations in media that negatively impact its national security, global image, and self-perception.
- What is the Bechdel Test? The Bechdel Test is a simple measure of gender bias in films, created by cartoonist Alison Bechdel. It assesses whether a movie features at least two named female characters who converse about something other than men.
- How does historical media bias affect Mexico? Centuries of negative portrayals in films and series have contributed to harmful stereotypes about Mexico, its people, and culture, which in turn affects national security and global perception.
