Cultural Narratives and Counterstories: Examining Representation in “Prietita y la Llorona”

Authors

Christian E. Zuniga, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2020

Abstract

Stories can be a powerful medium through which to simultaneously reinforce and counter oppressive discourse. This article examines Gloria Anzaldúa’s children’s book, Prietita y La Llorona, as a counterstory method within the larger genre of Latinx children’s literature. Counterstories are a powerful method used by Critical Race and feminist theorists to center the delegitimized experiences of marginalized communities. Drawing on theories around discourse, representation, and intersectionality, the article explores the ways in which Anzaldúa counters cultural narratives that diminish community cultural wealth and women’s positions as agents of knowledge through the characters of Doña Lola and La Llorona.

Recommended Citation

Zuniga, C. Cultural Narratives and Counterstories: Examining Representation in “Prietita y la Llorona”. Río Bravo: A Journal of the Borderlands, 24.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

Publication Title

Río Bravo: A Journal of the Borderlands