10: Cultural Productions

Last updated
Save as PDF

Page ID: 138172

Mario Alberto Viveros Espinoza-Kulick
ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative (OERI)

\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

Learning Objectives

Analyze and articulate concepts such as pop cultura analysis, encoding, decoding, stereotypes, controlling images, tropicalism, disidentification, nationalism, image analysis, and artivism as used by Chicanx and Latinx studies scholars to analyze the context of media and cultural productions.
Critically analyze how representation and cultural meaning-making operate at the intersection of race and racism with class, gender, sexuality, immigration status, ability, and Indigeneity in Chicanx and Latinx communities.
Describe the role of cultural productions in reinforcing systemic violence in contemporary society based on racial categorization and racism.
Review how struggle, resistance, racial and social justice, solidarity, and liberation, as experienced and enacted by Chicanx and Latinx communities are relevant to current and structural issues such as communal, national, international, and transnational politics and culture.
Investigate how culture contributes to anti-racist and decolonial efforts for liberation, social justice, and equity.

Introduction

This chapter explores the production, distribution, and reception of culture among Chicanx and Latinx communities. We will begin by operating conceptualizations of identity, community, and social movements in the context of culture and performance. Culture travels far and wide, and the transnational Latin American music scene is deeply influential for Chicanx and Latinx communities as well as cultures around the world. In this chapter, we will learn from artists and producers in places like Mexico, Cuba, Brazil, and more. Cultural productions include all kinds of items, events, and activities, such as news, radio, art, music, television, film, video games, clothing, and theater. All of these activities communicate values, narratives, and beliefs that sustain cultural practices. Further, with the widespread use of social media, culture and content are created and distributed in wide-spanning networks.

Cultural productions (e.g. news, radio, art, music, tv, film, etc.) and social movements will be analyzed to understand how they are reflective of Latina/o/x ethnic identity. Special attention will also be paid to how gender, race, immigration, and sexuality are embedded in cultural attitudes and expressions.

10.1: Chicanx and Latinx Identities and Culture
This section focuses on frameworks for cultural analysis within Chicanx and Latinx studies. It begins by highlighting the significance of culture as a system of shared meaning, encompassing various aspects such as language, art, music, food, religion, and ceremonies. The media is identified as a crucial institution within culture, while pop culture refers to cultural practices produced and distributed for mass audiences.
10.2: Chicanx and Latinx Storytelling
This section explores the role of narratives, identity, and media within Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. It highlights the historical use of cultural tools such as storytelling and self-produced media to foster a sense of community and pride in one's identity. Oral traditions and written stories have played a significant role in conveying traditions, culture, and meaning across generations.
10.3: National and Transnational Rhythmic Formations
This section explores regional and local styles in Chicanx and Latinx music and dance. These styles showcase pride in identity and heritage through the use of regionally specific instruments, rhythms, melodies, and themes. Music and dance play a significant role in the development of Chicano identity and political movements.
10.4: Television and Film
This section discusses the representation of Chicanx and Latinx individuals on screen, focusing on television and film. The concept of image analysis is introduced as a way to examine the racial politics and ideological messages conveyed by media texts. The section highlights media representation, Latina icons, and children's media as sites of shared meaning making.
10.5: Cultural Productions in Practice
This section explores the ways in which culture influences politics and society, with a specific focus on activist forms of culture within Chicanx and Latinx communities. Artivism, the combination of art and activism, plays a crucial role in mobilizing social movements by communicating demands, claims, and critiques to various audiences.
10.6: Conclusion