The Profe Podcast Newsletter

History, Economics, Education, Culture #1

January 05, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.” - Lau Tzu

We have lots to talk & share.

History: Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz

Economics: Dollars & sense.

Education: School Matters

Culture: Voice.

History

Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz

“I don’t read to know more but to ignore less” - Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz

Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz (1648 – 1695) said, “Nah, I’ll pass on marriage and go full-on nun mode to chase my academic dreams!” Talk about breaking the mold! She rocked the literary scene like a boss. This trailblazer championed women's education and intellectual pursuits, paving the way for the fierce women who came after her.

The artist's take on de la Cruz is like a time-traveling selfie, placing her in today's world while giving a nod to her historical roots. This funky twist showcases her timeless vibe, all while painting a dreamy picture filled with symbols of defiance and rebellion—essential pieces of her identity and the powerful message that still rings true today!

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Economics

Dollars & Sense

"Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do.” - Unknown

Latina/o labor + entrepreneurial spirit = 3.2 trillion annually for the US economy. While Latinos have been launching small businesses at lightning speed, many non-Latino groups still don’t see us as savvy entrepreneurs. Is it haterade or just a lack of information? According to the latest scoop from 2024, the Small Business Association revealed that over 73% of small biz owners reported growth last year, and Latino owners were strutting ahead with a whopping 80% claiming the same! Talk about a business boom!

Perceptions of Latinos in the U.S. often treat them as a monolithic ethnic group. This image is a tongue-in-cheek commentary on how our larger community is viewed. The motorcycle symbolizes the free-spirited, avant-garde attitude needed to pursue a business idea and develop a related plan. Furthermore, the corn (maíz) emblem reflects how Latinas and Latinos derive their sense of self from their family, history, exceptional work ethic, and determination. Like corn, ambitions, dreams, and perseverance may seem simple, but they are part of a much more complex reality. The specifics of that complexity depend on the individual, family, and community in question.

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Education

School Matters

“Education of the masses begins with education of the self.” - D. Aragones

Education is a fundamental aspect of Mexican and Mexican American families in the United States. However, historical narratives often suggest that education is not a primary focus for many Latina/o communities. In reality, Latinas/os – in particular Mexican and Mexican American individuals, have been the fastest-growing non-Anglo-European group enrolling in colleges and universities over the past 30 years.

In the last 50 years, we have witnessed tremendous growth in the number of Hispanic or Latino students pursuing higher education, a trend that continues to strengthen. Presently, 20.34% of college students identify as Hispanic or Latino, marking an extraordinary 884% increase since 1976. Furthermore, it is encouraging to see that 80.4% of these students opt for public institutions, with 66.1% enrolling in four-year colleges.

The image emphasizes the simultaneous acknowledgment of both the past and present as a foundation for future preparation. While the value of books and writing is evident, the influence of history, culture, and education appears to fuel the desire to succeed. The term “Ollin” signifies movement forward or progress. As a college professor with over 15 years of experience, I often hear from students about the crucial role that family and their personal history play in their educational journeys.

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Culture

Voice

Speak for yourself or someone else will do it for you.

Voice represents the capacity to engage in the decision-making process. As an educator focused on race, ethnicity, culture, identity, education, and Mexican American history, I frequently share my perspectives in both formal and informal settings. Naturally, these topics dominate my conversations.

During my presentations, I often receive questions regarding the politics of identity, particularly about the meanings of terms like Mexican, Mexican American, and Chicano. I explain that I identify as Mexican, Mexican American, and Chicano—in that specific order. Being Mexican honors my family's roots, heritage, and all that holds significance for me. Identifying as Mexican American reflects my upbringing in the United States, intertwined with these familial ties.

When people hear this, they often question how one can embody identities from two distinct places simultaneously. I clarify that “Chicano” signifies my acknowledgment of living with multiple identities at once, without any fractions or percentages quantifying who I am. A crucial point I stress is that labels like Mexican American, Hispanic, and Latina/o do not necessarily originate from the communities they describe. However, for me, “Chicana/o” resonates with me profoundly as a means to voice mi identity.

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