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Please read and annotate (take notes on) Lillian Comas-Diaz’s Article “Hispanics, Latinos, or Americanos: The Evolution of Identity” (5-13). In her article, Comas-Diaz acknowledges the many labels for a very diverse group of people:
The Latino mosaic reflects a plural, dynamic, and evolving transformation. An apt metaphor for the development of the United States, Latino identity evolution offers a parallel to the collective identity redefinition. Historically, some Latinos were indigenous to this land, whereas others arrived searching for the immigrant golden dream of opportunities, and still others continue to be washed up on American shores searching for freedom and political asylum (Comas Diaz 12).
For Critical Response 1—Language and Identity, please compose a 250-500 word essay (one-two pages double-spaced, 12-point Times font) in which you engage the ideas Comas-Diaz presents in her article—and then try out your own taxonomy based on your own identities.
First, please discuss the importance of naming and labeling our identity. Comas-Diaz argues that it is important for Hispanics/ Latinos/ Americanos, in particular, to name themselves; “[b]ecause the systematic negation and oppression of people of color result in pervasive identity conflicts, Latinos’ power to name themselves advances liberation by rejecting colonization” (Comas-Diaz 6). What are some examples of the labels that Comas-Diaz includes in her taxonomy? What other ethnic groups are also engaged in the project of naming themselves? Incorporate one supporting quotation from the article to help develop your discussion.
Second, Comas-Diaz creates a taxonomy (a system of classification) of ethnic terms used to designate the generic Hispanic/ Latino population in addition to specific names used to designate distinct groups” (Comos-Diaz 7); for example, Hispanic, Lation(a), La Raza, Hispano(a), “Spanish People,” Americano(a), among many others. In your essay, create a similar kind of taxonomy that reflects various aspects of your own three-five identities (some examples: gender, language, culture, nationality, location, national origin, transnationality, interests, personality, appearance, interests, media, race, religion, sexual orientation, work, profession, education, experiences, economic status, interests). For each identity, include a 2-3 sentence descriiption of each one, using Comas-Diaz’s taxonomy as an example.
Guidelines
Please set up your assignment in MLA Style (See Sample Assignment).
In your first paragraph, please discuss the importance of naming and labeling our identity; how do labels help us understand who we are? How can labels also feel restrictive?
In your discussion, please provide some examples of the labels that Comas-Diaz includes in her taxonomy.
You may also address other ethnic groups that are also engaged in the project of naming themselves.
Please incorporate at least one supporting quotation from the article to help develop your discussion. You may also incorporate Comas-Diaz’s reasoning for the importance of Hispanics/ Latinos/ Americanos to name themselves: “Because the systematic negation and oppression of people of color result in pervasive identity conflicts, Latinos’ power to name themselves advances liberation by rejecting colonization” (Comas-Diaz 6).
In the second part of your essay, please create a similar kind of taxonomy that reflects various aspects of your own three-five identities (for example: gender, language, culture, nationality, location, national origin, transnationality, interests, personality, appearance, interests, media, race, religion, sexual orientation, work, education, experiences, economic status, interests). For each identity, include a 2-3 sentence descriiption of each one, using Comas-Diaz’s taxonomy as an example.
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