The connection between Chicanas and the Aztecs is rooted in the shared historical and cultural heritage. The concept of Aztlan which refers to the mythical homeland of Aztecs became a symbol of resistance and cultural unity for Chicanas which affirm the distinctiveness of the community of Chicanas within the American cultural landscape. The connection between Aztecs and the contemporary Mexican people including Chicanas develop a complex social, cultural, political, religious, and commercial organization due to the prominence of Aztec culture in historical narratives. The Chicano movement also draws on Aztec symbols and other Mexican iconography which include the adoption of Nahuatl words in order to create a sense of solidarity among people of Mexican heritage and the celebration of the ethnic heritage of Aztecs as a source of pride and inspiration (Rodriguez, 2017). The movement is also influenced by the Mexican intellectual movement that takes pride in the indigenous past of Mexico and its significant influence on Mexican identity and cultural impact.
Why do you think the Chicanas/os feel so connected with the Aztecs and not other indigenous folks you have learned about (Toltec, Olmec, etc.)?
Chicanas feel connected with the Aztecs because of several historical and cultural factors as Aztec is the empire of one of the well-documented pre-Columbian civilizations. The attribution to these civilizations contributes to a broader sense of understanding and awareness of the culture and history of the Aztecs. The Chicano movement coincides with the intellectual movement during the period of indigenismo in Mexico which plays a significant role in resonating with the Aztec culture’s myths, symbols, culture, and legacy (Why Do Chicanos Love the Aztecs?, 2012). The movement also emphasizes pride and inspiration in the indigenous past of the nation being central to the narrative of identity and resistance for many Chicanos seeking to connect with their ancestral roots to Aztecs. Contrary to the connection between Aztecs and Chicanos, other indigenous folks including Olmecs and Toltecs do not have such a level of symbolic representation and documentation in the identity of modern Mexicans. However, the connection to the Aztecs does not diminish the significance of other cultures like the Olmecs or Toltecs as the prominent role Aztecs play in the formation of modern Mexico influences how Chicanas can explore their indigenous identity. The accessible and relatable connection between Chicanas and Aztecs reflects the particular historical and cultural influence that shaped Chicanas’ activism and identity.
What Mesoamerican civilization did you enjoy learning about the most, and why?
One of the Mesoamerican civilizations that intrigued me the most is the Aztec civilization due to its rich history and significant contributions to the Mesoamerican as well as modern Mexican culture. The most intriguing aspects of Aztec civilization are its impressive architectural achievements, ideograms, and pictograms in its writing system, and its religious as well as mythological practices. These aspects offer a deep insight into their worldview. The Aztecs were able to create such an organized and complicated civilization because of their ability to build a powerful empire in a relatively short period and their rich cultural heritage made Aztec civilization a captivating subject of study within Mesoamerican civilizations. Another aspect that is quite intriguing and fascinating for me about Aztec civilization is its social structure such as the infrastructure of Tenochtitlán which offers valuable insights into the pre-Columbian history as this structure was highly organized and included a clear division between nobles of the society and commoners (Aztec, 10.7, 2019). The eagle warriors are also a captivating matter of subject that was the symbol of valor and strength in their civilization.
References
10.7: The Aztec. (2019, June 17). Humanities LibreTexts. https://human.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/History/World_History/Book%3A_World_History_-_Cultures_States_and_Societies_to_1500_(Berger_et_al.)/10%3A_The_Americas/10.07%3A_The_Aztec
Rodriguez, R. (2017, October 8). Are Mexicans Indigenous? Truthout. https://truthout.org/articles/are-mexicans-indigenous/
Why Do Chicanos Love the Aztecs? – OC Weekly. (2012, October 4). https://www.ocweekly.com/why-do-chicanos-love-the-aztecs-6424260/
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