A Study in Germxican American Education and the New Mestiza Consciousness, The Eagle Feather

2007 Issue

Table of Contents | Editorial Board | Review Acknowledgements

A Study in Germxican American Education and the New Mestiza Consciousness

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Author: Ryan Gilbert
Faculty Mentor:
Mariela Nuñez-Janes, Department of Anthropology, College of Public Affairs and Community Service
Department:
Department of Anthropology, College of Public Affairs and Community Service
Bio:
Ryan Gilbert is a folksinger who, after six and a half years of in-depth study, is one semester away from receiving a bachelor’s degree in anthropology. After graduation Mr. Gilbert plans to continue playing music and intends to pursue a master’s degree, furthering his knowledge of Romany culture, folklore, and modern paganism. Mr. Gilbert is also considering a career in teaching. As a child, he lived in many cities across the United States including Santa Fe and Los Lunas, New Mexico. He enjoys riding his motorcycle around Denton, Texas.

Abstract:
This paper is based on the life of a young woman whose ethnic background is comprised of German and Mexican ancestry. Using oral history as the methodology, this paper discusses what it is like to be a multi-ethnic individual in today’s society. Her experiences show what “Mestiza” meant in the past, and what the “New Mestiza Consciousness” (Anzaldúa, 1987) holds for the future. She took every opportunity to know herself and form a Germxican identity, which guided her educational trajectory. Her experiences illustrate how a New Mestiza Consciousness can positively influence the educational goals of young Latina females. Baltazar Flores was my research partner on this project.

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