The Mexican American Experience, a radio program produced by the Longhorn Radio Network, includes interviews, music, and informational programs related to the Mexican American community and their concerns. Program summary: Richard Goodman discusses the role of Chicanas in Chicano society, from the Nahuatl to the contemporary social movement. He begins with a brief discussion of the role of women during Pre-Columbian times. He recognizes the gender parity, which characterized Aztec society. During the conquest, however, the role of women changed as the conquistadors introduced Spanish gender norms that only valued women as child bearers. He then discusses the various ways women participated during the Independence Movement, serving as soldiers, financiers, and in other roles. After the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the U.S. incorporated vast areas of Mexico, and Chicanas found themselves constrained by Anglo cultural norms. However, they continued their active participation in politics, especially around the turn of the century and into the 1920s, when they helped organize mutual aid societies and defend civil rights. In the post World War II era, widespread discrimination and political repression limited political activism, but Chicanas continued to work and organize, especially in agribusiness and the garment industry. In the 1960s, women became more involved and more visible in the Chicano movement. Their activities coalesced and became more organized in the 1970s, as they narrowed down the issues and injustices that most affected Chicanas, including childcare, rape and education. Goodman concludes that Chicanas have continued to positively affect society through their participation in local politics and their work in schools and women's organizations. Keywords: Agribusiness, American GI Forum, Ana Nieto Gomez, Aztecs, Aztlan, Chicana Feminism, Chihuacoatl, Civil Rights Movement, Colonial Mexico, Crystal City, Diosa y Hembra, Divorce, Doña Marina, El Grito del Norte, Female Dieties, Feminist Movement, Garment industry, Hernan Cortes, Independence, Intermarriage, Jovita Gonzalez, La Malinche, La Raza Unida, LULAC, Maria Hernandez, Martha Cotera, McCarran-Walters Act, McCarthyism, Mexican Anglo Relations, Nahuatl, Partido Liberal Mexicano, Regeneración, Spanish-Mexican, Stereotypes, Teteoinnan, Third Party Politics, Toci, Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Virginia Múzquiz. Broadcast date: 1976-11-05. This program mentions sexual assault.
Creator/Contributor:
Longhorn Radio Network (creator) and Goodman, Richard (host)
Date Created/Date Issued:
11/5/1976
Owning Repository:
Benson Latin American Collection, LLILAS Benson Latin American Studies and Collections, The University of Texas at Austin