Open AccessHorCHATa: A Counterstory about a Mexican-based Student Organization as a Counter-space at a Predominantly White University
Author(s) -
Martín Alberto Gonzalez
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
the journal of the association of mexican american educators, inc./the journal of the association of mexican american educators, inc.
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2377-9187
pISSN - 2377-9160
DOI - 10.24974/amae.16.1.459
Subject(s) - white (mutation) , critical consciousness , power structure , mexican americans , space (punctuation) , sociology , racism , power (physics) , pedagogy , critical race theory , consciousness , gender studies , participant observation , critical theory , social psychology , public relations , ethnic group , psychology , political science , social science , anthropology , ethnography , law , linguistics , philosophy , chemistry , biochemistry , quantum mechanics , physics , neuroscience , gene
This article utilizes critical race theory counterstorytelling to tell a story about ¡Poder Xicanx!, a Mexican-based student organization at a private, predominantly white university in the Northeast of the United States. Drawing on in-depth interviews, participant observations, pláticas, and document analysis, I document the educational experiences of 20 Mexican/Mexican American/Xicanx (MMAX) undergraduate students who participated in ¡Poder Xicanx!. Specifically, I argue that ¡Poder Xicanx! functions as a counter-space, which is a site or space where MMAX students can challenge stereotypes, deal with racism, and empower one another. Moreover, I also highlight the fact that ¡Poder Xicanx! allows for members to create a home away from home, sustain and practice their cultural ties, and collectively build critical consciousness.