PROGRAM INFO
- Title:
- Chicana Feminism
- Program #
- 1978-23
- Theme:
- Politics
- Series:
- Women's Issues
- Host:
- Armando Gutiérrez
- Guest:
- Martha Cotera
- Date:
- May 18, 1978
Chicana Feminism
Martha Cotera discusses the history of Chicana Feminism and some of the problems Chicanas encounter as they work with the Feminist and Chicano Movements.
Cotera says that any involvement by women in community issues is a form of feminism, and proceeds to trace Chicana feminist to the 16th century.However, their history of feminism has been obscured by the Anglo-run feminist movement, which seeks to liberate Mexican women. Cotera then discusses how Chicanas have been liberating themselves.
Within the Chicano movement, the struggle has been to move beyond the organizational activities given to women and into leadership positions. Cotera cites the example of Crystal City as a place where women have been able to ascend to leadership with the support of men. Cotera also discusses the lack of women in the Chicano Movement’s national leadership, but says that her priority is increasing local and statewide networks.
Cotera discusses how the feminist and Chicano movements conflict on certain issues, like Affirmative Action. Cotera concludes that Anglo women have more power than minorities and as such the Feminist Movement has set the Chicano movement back, in particular by competing more successfully for limited funds.
KEYWORDS
ChicanasChicano Movement
Crystal City
Feminism
Travis County
Zavala County