Introduction
How to Tame a Wild Tongue is a text written about Gloria Anzaldua in which the writer challenges various beliefs and perspectives on such essential topics as language and heritage. The primary premise is the dual experiences of Mexican Americans who live in an environment in which their native traditions and customers are being erased and replaced. On the one hand, they want to preserve their background and unique identity.
On the other hand, they coexist in a setting where their characteristics are often ridiculed or not considered. Additionally, they deal with the dilemma of choosing a side. The essay’s historical or thematic significance correlates with the Chicano Movement and the theme of language as a distinguishing trait.
Historical and Thematic Value of the Essay
From a historical perspective, the essay coincides with the Chicano Movement of the 60s and 70s. Namely, it was the most significant Mexican-American movement aimed at improving labor laws, establishing a sense of self, and addressing historic inequalities (Background on the Chicano Movement). Anzaldua’s approach to the topic can be highlighted in the following phrase: “Chicanos and other people of color suffer economically for not acculturating” (Anzaldúa et al. 43). This directly correlates with the protests against low wages and a lack of laws protecting laborers from Mexico or of Mexican descent.
Thematically, Anzaldua mentions Chicano Spanish as “a living language” (Anzaldúa et al. 35). This opens a dialogue about linguistic diversity and the validity of transforming certain traditions via them being merged with others.
Conclusion
Historically and thematically, how to Tame a Wild Tongue is rooted in the desire to validate those who do not fit in culturally. Namely, people who do not feel included in either heritage and create their own have a separate set of beliefs and language cues. The writer’s motivation is to acknowledge and include them in history rather than label them as impure or incorrect. Like people whose experiences shape them, history generates transitions in one’s heritage. However, this does not make it less accurate for those who live in environments touched by said alterations and transformations.
Works Cited
Anzaldúa, Gloria, et al. Borderlands / La Frontera: The New Mestiza. Aunt Lute Books, 2012.
“Background on the Chicano Movement.” Facing History & Ourselves, 2022. Web.