Representation and Postmodernism

Gloria Delgado: “Coal Digger” S1, E5

The character of Gloria Delgado-Pritchett is unique and sets her apart from the rest of the family, for a range of different reasons. The main one being that she is an immigrant from Columbia who moves to America and marries a rich white man. She speaks openly about her struggles of being a single mother and the culture she is enriched with. As each series progresses, we as the audience are able to learn about her background and how she came to meet and fall in love with Jay, as well as her new American white the family accepti her as she becomes part of it. Gloria’s particular character is a demonstration of the representation theory practiced by (Hall, 1989), Hall’s theory talks about cultural identity and cinematic representation. He presents the idea of representation with race and ethnicity. Arguing that instead of thinking of identity as an historical fact, we should think of identity as a ‘production’. Hall’s theory applies to the character of Gloria, as she is from Columbia – which is a key part of her characters qualities. She is presented with the stereotypes such as Columbians being short tempered “hotheads” who are very protective over their children, especially their sons and are very close with their family, as well as being strict with sticking to traditions. Gloria brings these qualities to her new family, as she criticises the relationships between her husband and his children, as well as his in-laws.  These criticisms help the family connect on a deeper level and brings them closer together. Hall’s theory of ‘the other’ applies to Gloria, however in a positive way as she is a crucial benefit within the family dynamic, due to her integrating her culture within her new family.  This is an example of how representation is shown within ‘Modern Family’.

•