Interpreting the Evidence
Latina Women: Two Voices, n.d.
Suggested Teaching Instructions
Document Description
Fact sheet for Latina artists Yolanda Daliz and Anita Welych, n.d.
Historical Context
The term “Hispanic,” as defined by the U.S. Bureau of the Census, refers to Spanish-speaking people in the United States of any race. On the 2000 Census form, people of Spanish/Hispanic/Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or "other Spanish/Hispanic/Latino." More than 35 million people identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino on this census. (Latino women are called Latinas.)
Latinos have contributed to all aspects of society, including art. This art exhibit in central New York, entitled Mujeres Latinas: Dos Voces (Latina Women: Two Voices) and presented by Yolanda Daliz and Anita Welych, portrays the inner conflicts of both artists. Learning one thing from their parents and another from North American pop culture, the artists try to describe their experiences and backgrounds through their art. While apparently different on the outside, the works of both women represent the richness and difficulties of their experiences as Latin women in a predominantly Anglo society.
Latinos have contributed to all aspects of society, including art. This art exhibit in central New York, entitled Mujeres Latinas: Dos Voces (Latina Women: Two Voices) and presented by Yolanda Daliz and Anita Welych, portrays the inner conflicts of both artists. Learning one thing from their parents and another from North American pop culture, the artists try to describe their experiences and backgrounds through their art. While apparently different on the outside, the works of both women represent the richness and difficulties of their experiences as Latin women in a predominantly Anglo society.
Essential Question
How does culture influence gender roles?
Check for Understanding
Identify the main idea of this document and explain the ways in which cultural beliefs influenced the viewpoint of these two women.
Historical Challenges
Research the lives and careers of Latinas who were pioneers in the entertainment industry. Possible choices could be Rita Moreno, Chita Rivera, Celia Cruz, Miriam Colon, and Raquel Welch.
Compare one of the trailblazers above with famous Latinas today. Possible choices could be Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Christina Aguilera, Eva Mendes, and Jessica Alba.
Interdisciplinary Connections
Independent Reading: Read the literary work or a biography of a Latina writer/poet to better understand Hispanic culture. When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago is recommended.
Art: Create your own artwork in the style of one of these artists.