"Devious Maids," Lifetime's new comedy-drama, hasn't even premiered and is already creating a lot of controversy. The show, created by "Desperate Housewives" Marc Cherry, and co-produced by Eva Longoria, doesn't premiere until this Sunday, but the subject of the show has already riled up critics who say it perpetuates negative stereotypes about Latinas.
The series centers on five Latina maids working in the homes of Beverly Hills' wealthiest and most powerful families.
"There probably wasn't a Latina in the country who didn't initially roll her eyes of 'oh great, here we go again. Another Latina character that's a maid'" Damarys Ocaña, executive editor of Latina magazine, said, adding that people are passionate about how Latinos are portrayed on TV and film.
"The issue isn't whether the show is entertaining (it is), or whether it's lead characters are played tastefully (they are), the issue is here is another show with yet another Latina maid. Oh wait, that's five Latina maids. Because that's all we can play, apparently," said blogger Yolanda Machado.
Lifestyle and Pop Culture journalist Tanisha L. Ramírez, also commented on the matter. "The series is the first mainstream, English-language television drama featuring five Latina main characters, which is -- for better or for worse -- a novel concept even in this day and age. Not novel, however, is the fact that all -- count 'em, all! -- of the main characters play "devious" maids. It just all seems like a missed opportunity to diversify the roles played by Latinas."
Eva Longoria said critics have failed to acknowledge the show's groundbreaking achievement: that this is the first English-language drama ever to star five Latina actresses.
The actress and now producer of this show, also penned a response to the critics that she published online. "The five women are maids by occupation only; it is what they do, not who they are. Are maids a realistic reflection of Latinas in America today? Yes, but they are not a reflection of every Latina. Stereotypes are constructed and perpetuated by those who believe in them. I choose not to. As an executive producer, I choose to break the cycle of ignorance by bringing to light something we have not seen before, a deeper, more complex side to the women who live beyond the box that some choose to put them in. The only way to break a stereotype is to not ignore it."
Marc Cherry also weighed in the matter. "I always knew there would be controversy with the show, but I also knew that working with Eva Longoria, we were going to treat these characters like gold," he said.
"I think we've done five super positive portrayals of Latina women who are both devious and smart but have dreams of their own and are pursuing them with all the gusto in the world," he added.
Watch a little preview of what's to come and let us know how you feel about the upcoming show.
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