El Niño Dios, Deportation, Mesoamerica
A weekly newsletter covering Mexican American news, politics, and culture.
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THE UNPUBLISHED LETTERS TO EL NIÑO DIOS
Until a generation ago or so, Mexican and Latin American children barely knew about Santa. Especially in rural Mexico and in small cities, children write letters and ask presents to the Baby Jesus, el Niño Dios, and sometimes to the Three Wise Men, los Reyes Magos.
The same is true for the rest of Latin America and, to a lesser extent, for Chicano families who, it is worth saying, fell under the influence of the plump elf in the red suit a long time ago.
But their grandparents certainly wrote letters to el Niño Dios in Xmas, and if they were lucky enough — and their parents had money to buy them something— they would find modest surprises on the morning of December 25, beneath the tree, or by the Nacimiento (a Nativity scene).
Although they are usually secret, a private thing between the children and el Niño Dios, when we can take a look at Christmas letters written by Latin American boys and girls, it is an irresistible experience.
ANCIENT PRE-HISPANIC PYRAMID UNEARTHED DURING ROADWORK IN MEXICO
An archaeological discovery has been made in central Mexico, where road construction unearthed a large, pyramid-shaped structure believed to date back thousands of years.
The discovery was confirmed by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), which announced the find in a recent statement.
The structure, identified as a "pyramidal base," was located in the Sierra Alta region of Hidalgo, a state located north of Mexico City.
In archaeological terms, a pyramidal base refers to the lower portion or foundation of a pyramid, providing crucial insights into the design and purpose of ancient monumental architecture.
Pyramids were central to many Mesoamerican cultures, including the Maya, Aztec, and Teotihuacán civilizations, which constructed these massive structures for religious and ceremonial purposes.
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MEXICO SEEKS TO LIMIT THIRD-COUNTRY DEPORTATIONS
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Thursday that her government is in discussions with President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration to negotiate a deal aimed at limiting the number of third-country deportees that Mexico would be required to accept from the United States.
Sheinbaum's comments come as Mexico prepares for a potential surge in deportations across the US-Mexico border. Currently, a similar arrangement is in place with the Biden administration, which allows for the direct deportation of migrants to their home countries. Under the new talks with the Trump team, Mexico aims to further manage and reduce the number of migrants from other countries that are sent to its territory.
With the threat of increased deportations on the horizon, Sheinbaum stated that her administration is working to set up meetings with governors from Mexico’s border states to coordinate responses and ensure local resources are effectively managed.
HOW CHICANOS HELPED RESHAPE THE UNITED STATES
Following the path of a former labor union called the United Cannery, Agricultural, Packing, and Allied Workers of America (UCAPAWA) who staged several strikes during the 1930s-40s, the United Farm Workers (UFW) was built from a unification of two workers’ rights organizations, the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC) and the National Farm Worker’s Association (NFWAI).
The UFW was formed by the efforts of Filipino, Black, and Mexican activists who advocated for better pay and safer working conditions for all marginalized minority laborers. This remarkable alliance, led by Dolores Huerta, Cesar Chavez, Larry Itliong and Gilbert Padilla inspired over 1,000 farm worker strikes, boycotts, and protests across the United States.
Their methods ranging from nonviolent strikes and speeches to boycotts and weeks-long fasts, secured workers’ rights, improved working conditions and ensured higher pay for farm workers, namely in California, Texas, Arizona and Florida.
CHICANO ARTIST FUSES POTTERY AND LOWRIDERS
Chicano Artist Jesse Littlebird is gaining recognition for his unique fusion of traditional Mexican pottery and lowrider culture.
Littlebird blends the intricate designs of Mexican ceramics with the bold, vibrant aesthetic of lowriders, incorporating hand-painted geometric patterns, vivid colors, and chrome-like finishes.
Lowriders are a hallmark of Mexican-American culture, while pottery has deep roots in Mexican heritage. By combining both symbols, Littlebird creates a contemporary narrative that honors both ancient traditions and modern urban life.
OPINION: STOP IGNORING LATINAS IN LITERATURE
Failing to mention Latina writers not only drowns out the female voice, but it completely eradicates it. And while others may say Latina writers don’t compare to Latino writers, I say mention them anyways.
In literature the only thing that should matter is talent. And both genders are capable of moving people, sharing experiences, and histories.
Today we have writers like Esmeralda Santiago, Alisa Valdes, Sandra Cisneros, Lilliam Rivera, and so many more to inspire Latinas in the field of literature.
We still have a long way to go when it comes to acceptance and equality, but with writers like these, the future looks bright.
AMERICAN HOMEBOY - NOW ON DVD AND BLU-RAY!
The hit movie AMERICAN HOMEBOY is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray!
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