Images of Latinas: Week 3

Constituting a Subject: The Politics of Difference

In this section we will explore the ambivalence of being a "mestiza." Latinas are on a perpetual state of transition between two cultures, constituting themselves as subjects who are constantly reassessing the cultural and historical situation of their presence in the United States. Latina narrative strategies articulate a dialectics of difference by disrupting the relations between minority and dominant cultures.

Readings

• From Anzaldúa, "Towards a New Consciousness" pp. 77-91
• From Saldívar, "Ideologies of the Self" pp. 171-90.
• Carmelita Tropicana. Film

Questions

• Question 1: Explain the concept of 'mestizaje' as defined by Anzaldúa .
• Question 2: Taking into account our class discussions, explain the concept of identity as it relates to difference.

Group Presentation

1st Paper Due February 6th!!!!