La Malinche, often referred to as “the mother of all mestizos” is one of the most controversial figures in Mexican history. She’s been called a traitor and a victim. She was a Nahua woman who acted as interpreter for the conquistadors in the early sixteenth century. She had a child with Hernan Cortes named Martín and he is often called the “first mestizo.” Mestizos are the mixed race people of Mexico that make up 60% of the country. Her legend led to the creation of the term “Malinchista.” A Malinchista is a traitor, or someone who denies their Mexican culture in favor of another.
But since the 1950s, female writers have been trying to reclaim and vindicate the story of La Malinche – not just in Mexico but also here in the U.S. Chicana writers relate to La Malinche. They too are stuck between two cultures: their Mexican heritage and the U.S. culture they live their daily lives in.
We look at who La Malinche was and what she has come to represent over time.
That explains a lot. Deniers of heritage can only hurt the future.
I think something important that wasn’t said in the segment was the underlining problem of machismo in Mexico and how to story of La Malinche contributes to that. The story of La Malinche also tells us how the machismo mentality is still prevalent today and having long lasting affects on women in Latin america.