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The KUT Longhorn Radio Network Presents: Mexican American Experience Collection

Audio recordings including interviews, music, and informational programs related to the Mexican American community and their concerns in the series "The Mexican American Experience" and "A esta hora conversamos" from the Longhorn Radio Network, 1976-1982.

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PROGRAM INFO

Title:
The State Of Chicano Literature
Program #
1978-45
Theme:
Culture

Series:
Literature
Host:
Armando Gutiérrez
Guest:
Ramón Saldívar
Date:
Oct 11, 1978

The State of Chicano Literature

Dr. Ramon Saldivar discusses the history and development of Chicano Literature. He defines Chicano literature, which is a relatively new development, primarily by the background of its author and whether or not he or she identifies as Chicano. Chicano literature has been influenced by a variety of sources, including U.S. culture and Latin American literatures. He explains that it really emerged in the late 1950s, with the publication of Pocho, and almost simultaneously other literary genres, including poems and drama, appeared. While most Chicano literature deals with social issues, at least initially it was concerned with the characters and their development. Saldivar also explains that most Chicano literature is bilingual.

He then discusses the various genres of Chicano literature and their development. He explains that Chicano theatre began in the fields, but has now distanced itself somewhat from its early revolutionary aims. The novel is currently the most popular genre in part because it is able to reflect the complexity of the Chicano experience more easily than poetry or drama. He then explores some of the major Chicano works. Saldivar says that Chicanas are also very active in producing literature, in particular poetry and drama.

Saldivar believes that because of sociological and historical reasons, Chicano literature still has to establish its authenticity and validity to U.S. audiences, although audiences abroad regard the genre very highly. Saldivar believes that in the future, the novel will continue to occupy a major place in Chicano literature.

KEYWORDS

1960s
American Culture
Art Activism
Bilingual Literature
Black Writers
Bless me, Ultima
Chicana Authors
Chicano Literature
Chicano Poetry
Chicano Writers
Corrido
Cultural Reawakening
Drama
Estampas del Valle y Otras Obras
Feminism
Feminist Writing
Generaciones y Semblanzas
German literary critics
Heidelberg, Germany
International Interest in American Minorities
John Nichols
Jose Antonio Villarreal
Latin American Literature
Mexican Literature
Milagro-Beanfield War
Novel
Novelas Chicanas
Novelas Chicanescas
Pocho
Poetry
Premio Casa de las Americas
Revolutionary Theatre
Rolando Hinojosa
Rolando Hinojosa Smith
Rudolfo Anaya
Rural Life
The Chicano Movement
Theatre
Themes
Tomas Rivera
U.S. literature
Urban Life
Wurzburg, Germany
Y no se lo trago la tierra
 

Center for Mexican American Studies | Department of History | The Benson Latin American Collection

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