The nature of ethnic identity has been a major issue
in the Mexican American community for decades. Whereas
history has offered frameworks for interpreting generational
changes in the understanding of identity, literature has
been particularly rich in exploring themes of power and
domination, Louis Gerard Mendoza argues in this look at
historical and imaginative literatures and their role in
forming ethnic identity.
Focusing on late twentieth-century literature and history by
American writers of Mexican descent, Mendoza examines how style,
purpose, and context function to facilitate or constrain the
understanding of the past. Mendoza accepts as his starting point
the model posited by historian Mario García, then contrasts for
each "generation" the nuances and contradictions offered by one
or more Chicana/o creative writers. Other historians whose works
are centrally considered include Juan Gomez-Quiñones, Rodolfo
Alvarez, Ricardo Romo, David Montejano, and Carlos Muñoz, while
the literary writers featured include Jovita González, Alejandro
Morales, Sara Estela Ramírez, Teresa Paloma Acosta, Oscar Zeta
Acosta, and Américo Paredes.
Mendoza argues that history is the narrative battleground upon
which literature is based. However, he contends that most Chicana/o
historical narratives are integrated into literary analysis to
establish background, resulting in the invocation of the histories
as representations of the "real."
Libraries, borderlands scholars, and those interested in cultural
studies will want this book, which seeks ways to integrate the two
genres of history and literature through the new critical analysis.
_________________________________________________________
LOUIS GERARD MENDOZA is chair of the Chicano Studies Department
at the University of Minnesota. He has published a number of articles on
ethnic identity. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at
Austin.
Number Seven: Rio Grande/Río Bravo: Borderlands Culture and
Traditions
What people are saying about this book
“Historia makes an eloquent contribution to history and literature by
stylishly showing the links between both disciplines. It is an important
book for Chicana/o studies scholars interested in literature, history,
and the application of interdisciplinary methods.”—Aztlan
