Catalina de Erauso’s story definitly seems to encorporate a legend like element, although it is supposedly the truth. This adventure tale quality makes it quite accesible and captivating to read although maybe reflects that it is more fiction than reality. Even though it is hard to decifier the validity of this memoir it still brings to attention an interesting question about the role of the figure of Catalina de Erauso today. There are components of the story that suggest perhaps that Catalina was transgender or lesbian. The question is if she should be seen or used as a role model of some kind for feminisim or the lbgtq community. Regardless of whether or not she was, she most definitly was not afraid to break the typical gender roles of her time which was admirable and progessive. However even though she was progessive in defying traditonal gender roles, she also was a muderous coquistador. To dismiss or ignore this fact just because of her progressiveness in other parts of her life seems like a far too simplistic answer. I think using her as a role model of some kind for feminism, or the lgbtq community seems like it would be more of a diservice then an asset. Im sure there are many others who would be far better representatives or role models for both these communities that do not have twisted morals but have less popularity because the eurocentric way in which history is represented. For this reason I think we cant use Catalina as a role model and must hold higher standards if we are gonna change the narrative of history and its role today.
Monthly Archives: September 2016
Meeting of Two Worlds
The journal of Christopher Columbus manages to be both fascinating, and appalling all at once. The journal readily demonstrates the arrogance, ignorance and sense of entitlment, that as we know today would quickly lead to violence and abuse of native people and their cultures across the world. In the case of Christopher Columbus his effect would focus greatly on latin america even though his Royal “mission” was to find new passage to the west indies. A fascinating component of the journal is the descriptive qualties encapturing the journey almost like a story comprabable to ficitonal novels like HG Wells The Island of Doctor Moureau. The hidious and repulsive component is the journals very real content, highlighting the superiorty that Colombus identifies with and uses to justifiy the horendous treatment of the people he meets upon arrival to latin america. From the start it is clear that Colombus has an inflated sense of superiorty. He begins stating his status as a “Don” with a royally apppointed mission. Progressing into this journey he demonstartes he has no hang ups with lying to his crew or upon arrival to his “destination” taking the people there home as though they are souvenirs of his travels. Over all the journal of Columbus although difficult to digest proves to be a very important and insightful read. It exposes the reader to unedited intentions and mindsets of colonists. Continue reading
Introducing Myself
Hello Latin American Studies Class,
My name is Anna and in case the awkard format and title of the blog didnt give it away already I have never made a blog or blog post before so bare with me as I figure it all out. I joined the course because I wanted to learn more about latin america a subject that I know little about. When im not at school I work two restaurant jobs in east vancouver. For me hospitality is so far my favorite job for the oppurtunites i get to interact and meet new people. Among these people i have made great friends, many who identify as latin american. This has no doubt sparked an interest for me to learn more about latin america and the spanish language. Although i dont have much down time when I do I love spending time with friends singing, eating, drinking and talking. Im really looking forward to getting to know you all as we learn about latin america and how to make blog posts