Judith F. Baca

Figure 49, in the text is Judith F. Baca performing as a pachuca, 1976. I chose this illustration because of the power in gender roles I believe Baca exemplifies as she takes the role of the Pachuca. This depiction analyzes the gestures in which Baca appears dangerous and plays into sexuality. This image was taken of Baca from Las Tres Marias 1976 shot. The image identifies how Baca displays the defiance and with her smoking of the cigarette, while at the same holding the cigarette box in the sleeve of her shirt. Baca herself describes how her mother would have never let her take this role or identity, yet for her this character was a portrayal of how a woman can be exotic and fierce. Women are condemned for looking too masculine or overly feminine and there is a problematic gender role broken with this performance of Baca, which I find illustrates Baca’s inspiring breaking of gender norms and expectations.

Baca is an illustration of a key Chicana activist and artist. With her integration of public works to exemplify the lives of many underrepresented minorities and being inclusive to at risk youth her character demonstrates high importance in art history for Chicanas/Chicanos. Lastly, her performance of breaking gender norms that are especially influenced and reinforced by our parents is highly important in portraying how we do not have to be abide as women to be this perfect representation of a woman