Hispanic Actress Complains to Netflix About Stereotyped Character in Neil Patrick Harris Series, but Is This the Result She Wanted? – Opinion

Well, she did provoke action. I am not convinced that Netflix was thinking of this.

The streaming industry is experiencing a boom in intellectual product development. Each platform must create original programming, build a content library and keep subscribers coming back. New shows and movies are becoming more accepted, which means even people with low interest can find their way to production.

One such effort is a sitcom starring Neil Patrick Harris, entitled ‘”Uncoupled,” which just began filming in New York and sounds rather conventional, if not outright pedestrian. Harris plays the role of a divorced New York City man. Harris’ first episode is set as his husband departs and Harris must now experience New York City’s dating scene. Before the cameras started rolling (or whatever term is being used to describe the latest generation of digital Panaflex cameras), there was an issue.

Ada Maris is an actress Some people had complaints about the support part.She was looking for an older Hispanic housekeeper. Maris objected to the role’s portrayal in the script. She said that it depicted a small woman who was becoming too cartoonish. The script that was provided by her agent was disappointing to Maris.

“When I opened it and saw that it wasn’t even funny – it was hurtful and derogatory – I was shocked because I walked in expecting something very different given the way things are nowadays and the progress we’ve made,” Maris told Variety.

Maris chose to write an open letter to both the Network and to the Entertainment Press, rather than meeting producers to talk about the revamping of the role or to meet with writers to flesh out the character. In late September, a new script came in with some mild revisions to the character — a bit of a challenge to do more, considering the character of Carmen had only two scenes. Following the start of production last month, further changes were made. Cast announcements were made on the 25th just before the filming started.

Variety received a statement from Netflix apologizing to Maris. This character did not continue to be a part of the series.. “We’re sorry that Ms. Maris had a negative experience, and This character won’t appear in the series,” a Netflix spokesman said.

Well…that is one way to address the problem. If you don’t portray the minorities at all, a studio or production company can not be held responsible for insensitive portrayals. An actress can’t complain about being forced into an insensitive job when she loses it.

I’m sure Maris had legitimate concerns with the way her culture may have been featured, but there is a question on the methodology used to address the concerns. Could there be no effort made to rework the role — as the script revisions show there was that willingness — or was this public outcry the better option, leading to the outright elimination of the Latina character. Maris stated: 

They should recognize that this is a problem for everyone. People who identify as Latino, and those who do not. Writers need to stop writing characters like this. I’m speaking out for the younger actors coming up so they face even less of that than my generation has.”

While it may sound noble, it appears that aspiring actors face the same challenge when trying to remove a Latino actor from their roles. While they might not be as likely to face stereotyped roles, what impact will this have on their ability to perform in more general roles? As an established actress in her 60’s, Maris may have the comfort of speaking out. These newcomers, who are often working several jobs in between auditions, don’t have the power or options to convince others that they want a part like this.