Gloria
Anzaldua
Gloria Anzaldua is most known for supporting feminism, homosexuality, and Chicana culture.
Though she was most successful from the '70s to the late '90s, her work continues to inspire millennials. She has left a lasting impression on lesbians who struggle with identity, as well as women in the workforce. Her published works have inspired people of all nationalities to stand up for his or her native tongue, while also being accepting of other languages.
Her influences extend farther than people of Chicana origin. Her beliefs have affected students, women, and myself. Below are a few examples of Gloria Anzaldua's influences in modern society.
The video to the left contains a personal reflection from a student in New Jersey, who had a nanny who described herself as Chicana. This student emphasizes Gloria's struggles through conforming to society and learning a new language.
"But they will never take that pride of being Mexicana-Chicana-Tejana nor our Indian woman’s spirit..." - Gloria Anzaldua
"I don't understand why somebody would punish somebody for speaking, you know, more than one language." - Tara Kay, YouTube
The video to the right contains a woman who self-identifies as a Chicana. She recites one of Gloria Alzaldua's poems entitled "Don't Give in, Chicanita." In the beginning, she states that she related to this poem personally because she is constantly asking herself and her family these questions.