El "hacer la mestiza"

Abstract

In this paper, I discuss performing la mestiza,an approach to evaluating Chicano patriarchal culture based on the theories of Gloria Anzaldúa and Ellen M. Gil-Gomez. Anzaldúa describes a border region, Nepantla, as a site of power where the criticism and rejection of patriarchal confinement occurs. Those who occupy this in-between space, the mestizas, evaluate patriarchy from a neutral position, neither conforming to nor completely rebelling from this society. Gil-Gomez proposes strategies to accomplish this, including the manipulation of social constructs, or social masks, and the reinterpretation of history. I propose a third strategy, artistic mestizaje, in which mestiza writers dismantle oppressive dichotomies by avoiding complete conformity with respect to literary genres that would otherwise categorize their works. I analyze Ana Castillo’s The Mixquiahuala Letters and Sandra Cisneros’ The House on Mango Street to show how Chicanas and other women of color may engage in a performance of la mestiza.