At Least We're Not Peruvian

Modern Family is a television series that airs on ABC (American Broadcasting Company). The model of the show is engaging as it mocks what would be a documentary of three families interconnected. The comedy series follows the lives of Jay Prtichett and his family, along with the families of his two children. Jay's family consists of his second wife, her son from a previous relationship, and their son. Jay's wife Gloria, who is played by Sofia Vergara, takes on the role of a Colombian immigrant to the United States. In the clip above, Gloria and Jay are in an argument and the show takes advantage of this heated moment to communicate satire irony. Jay begins to make a stereotypical comment about Colombians, but Gloria stops him to only add another discriminatory comment to the conversation. 

Looking closely at their language, one can clearly see the satirical elements in action. Gloria has taken a dog and Jay wasn't on board with her plan. Jay begins to talk about Colombians, "Don't forget stealing is against the law. Now maybe in Colombia..." This statement upsets Gloria and she responds with, "Here we go!  Because, in Colombia, we trip over goats and we kill people in the street. Do you know how offensive that is? Like we're Peruvians!" Her comment begins with verbal irony as she obviously means the opposite of what she said. Even though she says Colombians kill people in the street, she definitely means the complete opposite. She says this in response to Jay claiming Colombians are criminals. The next part of her response is situational irony, events that have an unexpected or unintended effect. Gloria doesn't expect that throwing Peruvians into their conversation will make matters worse. By bringing up another Latin American country, she is only adding to Jay's stereotypes concerning Latinos. 

While some may find Gloria's loud and fiery personality comedic, the writers of the show have certain intentions. Gloria represents whats some Americans think of when a Latina Woman. They think these women come from dangerous countries where murders happen in the streets. By exposing audience members to this issue in a comedic way, the message is effectively communicated. Gloria's attempt to change Jay's perception of Colombians by calling out Peruvians only makes the problem worse. The show could be suggesting that the solution lies in a stop to singling out people among their regional differences.