Estados Unidos of America

Buenas Tardes! For this particular post I would like to discuss an issue that the U.S. is currently confronting as a result of the large influx of immigrants from Latin American countries. I have heard many people exclaim “English is the only language that should be spoken in the U.S.” or “If you want to live here, know English.” There is no denying that knowing the dominant language of any culture guarantees you a higher level of success in comparison to someone who does not. However, don’t many realize that before the Mexican-American War and the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo that this nation was a bi-lingual nation?! Plus, the apprehensiveness that is expressed by U.S. citizens in learning another language exhibits the deep ignorance that lives within this country. Can we control this? No, we can’t. Latino(a) literature discusses this indirectly in the use of, for example, code-switching. Literature, specifically Latino(a) literature, is reflective of not only our country’s past, but also of its future.

Carlos Cumpian

“Who is Carlos Cumpian?” is a question that may have already crossed your mind in noticing the title of this post. So, I’ll tell you. Carlos Cumpian is a Chicano writer, specifically a poet, born in San Antonio, Texas. Despite his place of birth, Carlos has had a profound impact in the Midwest and has been named as one of the Chicago Public Library’s Top 10 most requested poets. Recently, he made an appearance at Lewis University in recognition of Cesar Chavez week and I exchanged a few words with him. My apellido is Cortez and he actually gave me a book written by a poet of the same name solely because we share the same last name. He is the founder of March Abrazo Press, a publisher that promotes the works of Latino(a) authors and Native American authors. If I were you, I would check him out. Adios!

Mis Libros Favoritos

Buenas tardes a todos! I understand that many not know about the growing popularity of Latino(a) literature and also Latin American literature. I am by no means an expert of either types of literature, but many of the texts I’ve read that have had the most profound impact on me come from both of these genres. So, I would like to recommend to you a few narratives that you may find rather enjoyable. (Also, if you click on the books it will take you to Amazon if you’re interested in purchasing it.) Happy reading!

• The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

  

• One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

• The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

Anzaldua and Stuff

Hello again! I am aware that I have not posted anything recently due to the fact that I’ve been busier than usual. So, I will post something for you now. Many of you that may or not be familiar with Latino(a) literature may wonder as to what the title of my blog pertains to. A Mestizo or Mestiza is by definition a person of mixed race, esp. the offspring of a Spaniard and a Latin American. So, the vast majority of, for example, Mexicans are Mestizo(a)s. “La Nueva Mestiza”, the title, is derived from Gloria Anzaldua, a prominent figure of Latino(a) literature. Anzaldua’s most popular text is Borderlands: La Frontera if you’re interested in checking more of her stuff out. Recently, I had the opportunity to read Junot Diaz’s Drown. I would highly recommend it. Unfortunately, it seems that there are no forthcoming appearances by major authors in the Chicagoland area. I know, I’m sad about it too. Well, I hope all is well and cuidate mis amigos! Hasta luego.

Good Morning/Buenos Dias

Bienvenidos and Welcome to La Nueva Mestiza. The purpose of this blog is to showcase the accomplishments of Latino/a authors that have had a significant impact both on the American literary canon and my own life. Me llamo Melissa Cortez and I intend to utilize a fair amount of code-switching. I understand that many individuals that may be interested in the blog are not Spanish speakers. However, the title of the blog represents hybridity and speaking Spanglish is further representing that. So, if this is at all perplexing to you I advise that you open up a new tab and open up a translator (an actual good one!). The reason I have chosen to focus primarily on Latino/a literature is that it is simply remarkable. I am an English Major at Lewis University in the wonderful town of Romeoville, which may answer your question as to why the hell am i writing about literature. I will be posting excerpts, poems, events, and a variety of other things that will help you to better understand what Latino/a literature is and why it is so fabulous. No tengo nada mas que decir my friends. Hasta luego!