Debra Blake: Introduction

In a section of the introduction, Blake describes how writers and artists “refute” the patriarchal ideologies and narratives associated with female figures of Mexican culture. She writes that by re-illustrating and reconstructing the discourse of these figures, these writers and artists are giving them narratives that not only share in their own personal stories, but also the narratives of the oppressed as well as social change. Blake writes, “Stepping outside the bounds of accepted behavior always comes with a psychological and emotional price, often ostracization, from family and community (7). 

In my opinion, this quote is relevant to many of the experiences we encounter as women or even as someone who is a minority in either race and or sexuality. For me specifically, it would relate to the stereotype gender roles society has for women in general as well as the gender roles I believe exist in the Mexican culture. Also, when I read this quote I immediately thought about theOur Ladyart work created by Professor Alma, and some of the negative criticism she received from the display of this art piece. I think it’s important to be able to create narratives of these important figures in ways that are meaningful to us, but sometimes, when we do this, we compete with the dominant discourse, and in turn it upsets people.