Monday 5.4 Draft Questions - Karen Velderrain-Lopez

1. Note the description provided in Avandanos' article regarding Nepantla and the bailadoras, especially where they mention how they are "boundary-crossers, thresholders who initiate others in rites of passage, activistas" (P. 7) as well as when they define what a Nepantla is. How does this relate to earlier sentiments discussed in the course? Focusing on this different form of art, how is resiliency demonstrated via this art practiced as compared to others?

2. Mexican musical education, as referenced in Gonzalez's Caminos y Canciones reading, is said to be passed down by family where the significance of the songs/lyrics are passed down and learned (1). How does this further relate to Mexican/Chicanx traditions and cultures? Are there any examples of this passing down of cultural knowledge/music in other cultures?

3. When talking about focusing on the mujer in collective song writing in Gonzalez's Mixing in the Kitchen reading, she mentions that "Mexicanas are very much interested in activities or projects that benefit the 'mujer' but not if they feel it is at the expense of family or spousal" (75). How does this relate to Chicana feminism and its ideas? Where else can these sentiments be observed/demonstrated outside of the Chicanx sphere?