Debra Blake's Chicana Sexuality and Gender

“By emphasizing that the consequence of ‘‘disloyalty’’ is eternal condemnation or isolation, the legends are used to socialize women into traditional roles, control their conduct, and define what constitutes Mexican femininity. The message conveyed is that independent women are dangerous and treacherous” (Blake, 49).

In Chapter 1, “The Power of Representation: History, Memory, and the Cultural Refiguring of La Malinche’s Lineage” explains the way the Malinche and La Llorona are negatively portrayed throughout history. Blake describes that the Malinche and La Llorona are illustrated to be malicious and bad archetypes for women due to having rebellious and independent characteristics. For instance, “By emphasizing that the consequence of ‘‘disloyalty’’ is eternal condemnation or isolation, the legends are used to socialize women into traditional roles, control their conduct, and define what constitutes Mexican femininity. The message conveyed is that independent women are dangerous and treacherous” (Blake, 49). In other words, the stories depict them as evil beings due to their resistive non-conforming behavior. These female figures challenge the traditional gender roles and go against hegemony and patriarchal ideals. This is significant since it implies that women are powerful when they are not confined by gender norms. Consequently, these stories are socially constructed to control and restrict women from challenging traditional norms. However, Chicanas refigure and reinterpret their legends to empower and take ownership of these stigmatize figures. For example, Gloria Anzaldua, a Chicana writer, depicts La Llorona as a caring and helpful role model to children instead of the traditional villainous character. Therefore, Chicanas taking control of their stories are able to represent, connect, and preserve many of these culturally significant figures that are historically marginalized.