To deliver this unit effectively, educators must be thoroughly familiar with the film West Side Story. Understanding this movie extends beyond merely knowing the plot; it necessitates an appreciation of its deep-seated cultural significance. The following sections contain a comprehensive plot synopsis and vital cultural components that should be considered for a holistic understanding of the film's relevance to the unit.
Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins were the directors of the wildly successful musical film West Side Story, which debuted in 1961. The movie focuses on the love story between Tony, a former Jets member who happens to be white, and Maria, the Sharks' leader's sister, who is Puerto Rican. The film, set in New York City's Upper West Side, depicts growing conflict and violence between the Jets and Sharks as they battle for control of neighborhood space.
West Side Story, a huge box office success, was the first time many members of the general American public saw Puerto Rican characters and culture on screen. However, the film's portrayal of Puerto Rican characters raised severe issues due to problematic representational choices. Instead of casting Puerto Rican actors, white actors, and actresses used brownface makeup to play these roles. On-screen, Puerto Ricans were depicted as violent, sensual gang members and thugs who disobeyed the rules set by the "noble" white gang. Also troubling was the film's portrayal of Puerto Rico itself. Overall, the film's portal was largely stereotypical and reduced to background settings, failing to capture the island's rich cultural diversity and heritage. These inaccurate and damaging stereotypes significantly impacted many viewers' perceptions of Puerto Ricans and their culture, contributing to lasting misconceptions and biases.