Feeding To Relive Culture
Darwin Mordan
Audio with Transcript (Embedded Link):
I consider an important aspect of Latinx Studies to be the importance of how culture survives and adapt over time belong Hispanic countries. Especially after talking about Havana USA, the instances of cultures from Latinx countries being brought to the U.S. and being integrated is prevalent. With that in mind, I wanted to create a project to illustrate how something as seemingly simple as food could represent the preservation & adaptation of culture. The audio/transcript describes my experience asking myself and my parents what food/drink reminds them of the Dominican Republic, as well as memories brought up from that.
Conversations on Community
Rohan Singh and Ivan Preciado
Questions of community and sense of belonging came up a lot throughout this class. We wanted to explore these topics further in the form of a platica. A few Latinx friends are being brought together so that we can discuss what communities they feel like they belong to. We will be focusing particularly on labels such as Latino and Hispanic. We are interested to see the similarities between different members of the Latinx community but also the ways in which their sense of community contrasts. If time allows, we will also talk about how their parents view the subject so that we can see how ideas have shifted through generations.
Away from home: La vida mexicana
Areli Esparza
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1scYCYMRx0Jk7Q1YvvjJfQBlqSKMqEcTr?usp=share_link
The purpose of these short audios is to reveal the different perspectives of what living in the United States is like as a Mexican/Mexican-American. Through each of these short conversations, I explored different themes, including intergenerational differences, identity, assimilation, contrasts between Mexico and the U.S., among other topics. More importantly, there was something fundamentally significant that they all held in common: the pride of being Mexican. Inspired by Tony Schwartz’s audio documentary exploring the sonic color line, I have compiled a list of audio recordings from short interviews that demonstrate that each Mexican has a unique story, and that no two Mexicans sound the same. Estas son las historias de los mexicanos.
Soundscapes of Mi Vida
Ellen Foreman
One of the topics that we addressed in class this semester was the concept of the sonic color line. How does the aural representation of Latino culture impact our interpretation of that culture? This work explores how sound plays an important role in how Puerto Rico, Panama, and Chile can be perceived through folk songs, natural ambient noises, and the recitation of poetry. Sound can tell the stories of our heritage that cannot be expressed through words, and it both shapes how we define ourselves and how other people choose to define us.
Roots of Labor
Lizbeth Ortiz
Roots of Labor is a monologue from a farmworker’s perspective. I am exploring the exploitation of contracted workers in the U.S. and how it has taken a toll on them. The purpose of this piece is to shed light on the struggles faced by immigrants in pursuit of attaining the American Dream. My work highlights the adverse effects of working in the fields as a laborer and focuses on bringing hope for a better future.
First-Gen Chisme
Amy Veras, Jossanny Goris, Melissa Zavala
In First-Gen Chisme, we a group of First-Generation Latinas at Cornell, share our diverse experiences growing up and navigating the challenges of being the first in our families to attend college. We reflect on how we found not only academic fulfillment but also a second home within Cornell. Latinas are stronger together so we offer advice to our Latina hermanas on navigating new experiences, and breaking generational cycles academically and on the topic of mental health. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that weaves together our individual stories, aiming to inspire and empower the next generation of First-Gen Latinas.
How does machismo relate to feminism and Latinx culture today?
Ixtati Cabrera
I interview two females who have experienced machismo in the podcast. Throughout the podcast, we discuss how machismo ideals are passed down through music/music videos and through family. The interviewees discuss their experience, and how machismo has evolved through the ages. Machismo is related back to feminism as well as the Latino culture that instills these ideas into not only men but women as well.
Los Narcocorridos: USA v. Mexico
Carlos Apreza
Transcript for Podcast:LSP Project Transcript
Growing up, I grew up around my father, who would, after Sunday mass and while he made lunch, play Los Tigres Del Norte and other narcocorridos that, in a sense, was music that he grew up in during his adolescence. What is interesting is that behind the enticing instrumental sound are lyrics that portray a violent and specific connection to the “narco” aspect of a prominent Mexican problem. With the popularity attracting many up-and-coming United States artists and bands, I wanted to examine the difference between groups within the genre. Inspired by my childhood memories, I take audio examples within both groups within narcocorridos and analyze differences that I connect historically to issues that currently affect both The United States and Mexico.