Y&R: December 2016 Discussion Thread

[ajsp35801]

 

NP gave an interview where she explained that Karen's mother was to be a black maid. She was offended by MAB wanting that for some reason. It's been a long time since I've heard the story or read the interview that I can't really can't remember the particulars of why. 

 

Edited to add: I'm getting Carmen mixed up with Karen. 

[MoTheGreat]

 

Carmen was white? That tan was strong as hell then.  She definitely wasn't white!!

[YRBB]

Yooooo, an actress named Marissa Ramirez played someone named Carmen Mesta. I think the race is pretty obvious?

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[DeeeDee]

Carmen (like MR) was Latina.

[ChitHappens]

 

Zzzzzzzzzzzz

[MoTheGreat]

 

I think you still got to give skin complexion because all these soaps go with the whiter Latin person. She was darker then the usual white Latin soap star.

[ajsp35801]

There is a such thing as a white Latina. But neither  MR nor Carmen Mesta were. 

[Ponds]

Wow, I was so excited by the first 4 episodes with the new writers, but this thread has just made me sad.  I now realize that no matter who writes the show, half the people won't liked it.

[Darn]

 

An interesting discussion on the complicated racial dynamics of soap operas has you turned off? 

 

Seethe.

 

Marissa Ramirez was Latin on this show but I believe meant to be half-black on General Hospital.

[DRW50]

 

A lot of people didn't like Y&R even when it was superbly written. That's just how it goes. The show has certainly done nothing but spurn and discourage the many POC viewers who gave it loyalty for decades. I can see why people are not going to handwave this just because of a few decently written episodes. 

[Vee]

 

She was. Lynne Moody played Florence, Gia and Taggart's mom.

 

(and it's Marisa)

 

There will always be people not happy with a show whether it is good or bad. The first wave of criticism against Sussman came from the couple shippers - Adam/Chelsea fans, Phyllis/Billy fans, etc. All that will matter in the long run is if she produces consistently good soap once her stories began to pan out, which I will be watching to see. So far I am surprised at how swift and solid a turnaround there's been. I think that should be a primer for a lot of other shows, not that there are many left.

[DaytimeFan]

 

Isn't it great that what you think doesn't matter?

[Ponds]

 

I have no problem discussing the racial dynamics, but the new writers haven't even rid themselves of the old material.  I am VERY concerned about racial disparities on this and every soap.  I just want them to have a chance to change the dynamics.

[ajsp35801]

 

Changing a dynamic doesn't take time. Every script, including the very first, is an opportunity to get it right. That considered, I think having this discussion right now is just as valid as having it 5 years into Sally's tenure. 

[YRBB]

 

Yes, she wrote Thursday's wonderful episode. Both she and Beldner did great with writing in character moments and dialogue, despite not being around for classic Y&R, which also gives me hope that SSM can steer the writing team properly, in that one regard at least.