Laura Alvarez Images

          I am absolutely fascinated with the idea of Laura Alvarez's Double Agent Sirvienta (DAS) and how the character empowers Chicanas. The two images which were the most empowering and which will be discussed below are the drawing titled "At The Park" and the painting "I'm With The Nanny." Even though DAS conceals her role as a double agent with a domestic worker facade, which is a job location within the home, the sirvienta does not conform to the typical gender roles within the home. As Blake states in her reading, sexist and gender stereotypical notions would "con[fine] women to the domestic space" to complete housework and take care of children. Contrary to these stereotypes, DAS, in both of images mentioned above, is located in public and far from the confines of the home. In "At The Park," DAS casually stands in the park as she distributes DAS information and in "I'm With the Nanny" DAS appears to be in front of a flame or tall grass of some sort. Most importantly, the nanny is still on duty and carries the baby on her back, however, the baby does not hinder to interrupt with DAS duties. In "At the Park" the baby patiently sits while DAS distributes her leaflets and in "I'm With The Nanny" the baby actually acts as an accomplice and throws a bomb for DAS. Here, DAS demonstrates that neither household duties, in this case being a nanny, or responsibility to care for a child will stop the nanny from being an "agent of self-fulfillment" and accomplishing her tasks as DAS. This artwork was inspirational and I am a huge fan of how it empowers and gives agency to women, especially domestic houseworkers.