Presentation Title
Performing Afro-Mexican Identity: the Racial Politics of Negrito and Devil Dances
Degree Program
Undergraduate
Major
Art History
Abstract
In examining the racial dynamics of Mexico, one clearly notices relatively few Mexicans who identify as Black or Afro-Mexican. This paper is therefore concerned with the historical context that forged the racial atmosphere of Mexico today. Mexicans are discouraged to embrace la tercera raíz or the third root of Mexican heritage and identity stemming from Africa. The Mexico of today has been profoundly shaped by this African influence that dates back to the arrival of Cortés and the Spaniards. However important African identify is for understand boarder Mexico, most are reluctant to acknowledge this aspect of their heritage. After centuries of miscegenation, racism and colorism, perhaps the best method to understand the racial politics of Afro-Mexican identity is through studying Negrito and Devil masked performance.
Both Afro-Mexican and non-Black communities perform the Devil and Negrito masquerades, respectively. Such performances can be understood as a measuring stick, gauging the broader perception of “blackness” in the country today. Through examining Negrito and Devil masked performance, this paper analyzes the racial politics of Afro-Mexican identity embedded in the country as well as the implication of these depictions have for understanding the racial climate of Mexico today.
Start Date
23-2-2018 9:00 AM
End Date
23-2-2018 10:25 AM
Included in
Performing Afro-Mexican Identity: the Racial Politics of Negrito and Devil Dances
In examining the racial dynamics of Mexico, one clearly notices relatively few Mexicans who identify as Black or Afro-Mexican. This paper is therefore concerned with the historical context that forged the racial atmosphere of Mexico today. Mexicans are discouraged to embrace la tercera raíz or the third root of Mexican heritage and identity stemming from Africa. The Mexico of today has been profoundly shaped by this African influence that dates back to the arrival of Cortés and the Spaniards. However important African identify is for understand boarder Mexico, most are reluctant to acknowledge this aspect of their heritage. After centuries of miscegenation, racism and colorism, perhaps the best method to understand the racial politics of Afro-Mexican identity is through studying Negrito and Devil masked performance.
Both Afro-Mexican and non-Black communities perform the Devil and Negrito masquerades, respectively. Such performances can be understood as a measuring stick, gauging the broader perception of “blackness” in the country today. Through examining Negrito and Devil masked performance, this paper analyzes the racial politics of Afro-Mexican identity embedded in the country as well as the implication of these depictions have for understanding the racial climate of Mexico today.