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Representation and Resistance in the Latino(a) Evangelical Tradition
Description
Representation in postcolonial studies refers to the way in which groups considered "other" than the dominant group in society are characterized in literature and media in a manner that distorts the reality and experience of the people represented. In Latino(a) experience, "only rarely does the Chicano appear in positive imagery in Anglo-American social expression" (Limon 2). The presence of such representations has historically been destructive to the self-understanding of Latinos(as) in America as "it attempts to pass off its distorted realities and values ... as natural and desirable to third world peoples, including Chicanos" (Johansen 305).
These characterizations often serve to justify advancing the social and political goals of the dominant culture. Early in America's history Mexican-Americans were characterized as an uncivilized "mongrel Spanish-Indian" race in order to justify the acquisition of land in the Mexican-American War of 1836 (Takaki 174). Similarly, depictions of Latino outlaws in classic Western films and literature (Noriega 1992:xv) and of Latinos(as) stealing "white" people's jobs during the Great Depression led to the deportation of millions of Mexicans, many of whom were legal citizens (Takaki 333).
A common characterization of Latinos(as) from 1968 passed off as humorous and innocuous.
Stories
Once again in difficult economic times, Latino(a) immigrants are being blamed for economic woes and draining the economy in spite of clear evidence that undocumented workers benefit the economy (National Immigration Law Center).There has been a large resistance movement in the past several years over unjust immigration policy. On May 1, 2006 over 1 million people participated in a march where all immigrants and supporters were invited to march instead of work to demonstrate their economic clout as the world experienced “A Day Without an Immigrant.”
As unethical deportations have increased recently, Latino Evangelicals have joined in the struggle through movements like The New Sanctuary Movement which provides “sanctuary” and legal help for the undocumented who have been threatened with unjust deportation. Many Latino Evangelical congregations are participating. Another organization, Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice, has brought together many Latino Evangelicals in their struggle for economic opportunity.Marta Martinez, a U.S. citizen from El Salvador, is an Evangelical Latina who is involved in the immigration resistance movement. When asked if she considered herself American, she immediately said, "No." When asked what it meant to be American she said, "White." The strong representation of the American as white Europeans and of Latino(as) and minorities as "other" is ingrained in the psyche of even those who are actively seeking change.
Dreams
As Edward Said says, resistance, "far from being merely a reaction to imperialism, is an alternative way of conceiving human history" where, in this case, Latinos(as) forge for themselves an identity as part of America (Ashcroft 97). To see themselves not as the “other” but as part of America and to see America as a “federation of nationalities” is the deeper work of resistance (Emerson 180). This struggle was symbolized in recent immigration marches where Latinos(as) encouraged each other not just to wave the flag of their home country, but to wave the American flag.
Latino(a) Evangelicals, like Marta Martinez, have begun to resist the characterizations that have led to injustice. One hears, however, the unspoken dream to be a part of America without having to become "white." One hears the echoes of the dream of participating with unique gifts, contributions and culture in a society that has struggled to see itself as a diverse federation of nationalities, a society that deeply laments racial division and is committed to a just lifestyle. Perhaps the Latino(a) Evangelical church, in finding its own identity as part of America, , can help America rediscover its identity. That is an alternative "American dream."
References
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Latest page update: made by awheeler
, Dec 12 2008, 7:33 PM EST
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Keyword tags:
Evangelical
Latino
Representation
Resistance
United States
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