La Malinche played a crucial role in forming what is presently known as Mexico. During the century XVI the indigenous princess was born into an aristocratic family until she was sold “como un esclava a los aztecas.” Quickly the beauty and intelligence of La Malinche set herself apart from the other slaves. Thus when the Spanish conquistador, Hernan Cortes, arrived Malinche was presented as a useful present. Her previous knowledge of the Nahuah and Mayan languages and her rapid proficiency in Spanish made her Cortes’s ideal translator and consultant. La Malinche continuously proved her loyalty throughout the Spanish conquest. Not only did Malinche warn Cortes of possible ambushes (emboscadas) but she also convinced gente to form an alliance against Montezuma, the Aztec emperor. Over time, Malinche formed a relationship with Cortes and eventually gave birth to his son. The son of Malinche and Cortes marks beginning of the mestizo race, which dominates the population of Mexico in this day in age. Malinche “fue testigo del fin de una civilizacion y el augue de otra nueva y se convirtió en la madre simbólica del Nuevo group étnico” que shapes Mexico today. The role of La Malinche in the construction of present day Mexico is both revered and condemned. Historically, the consensus was that the traitorous alliance between Malinche and the Spanish conquerors was unforgivable. Recently, however, many have attempted to rewrite the unjust reputation of la “Eva Mexicana.” The song “La Maldición De La Malinche” by Amparo Ochoa and the poem, “La Malinche” by Carmen Tafolla are prototypes that demonstrate the two disputing perceptions of the impact of la Malinche on Mexico today.

III.) The song “La Maldición De La Malinche” presents an overview of the European colonization in the Americas and the subjection of the indigenous people. The attitude of the narrator exemplifies the traditional perception of la Malinche as a permanent burden on Mexico. The curse of la Malinche portrays the legacy of oppression that resulted from her betrayal. Two pivotal inequalities ingrained into Latin America were instigated by the actions of la Malinche. The first inequality exists between Latin America and the global north. The belief of social rankings has permanently subordinated Latin America. “Se no quedó el maleficio/ de brindar al extranjero/ Nuestra fe, nuestra cultura,/ nuestro pan, nuestro dinero.” In the eyes of the Europeans, the conquest of Latin America not only granted them exploitation of land but also oppression of the indigenous society. The Spanish believed that the assimilation of the natives to the superior European culture was mutually beneficial. However the required sacrifices made by the indigenous stripped them of their resources and traditional culture. Today, Latin Americans view themselves as both a part of European and native cultures. However arbitrary categories prevent latin americans from complete membership in either society. The assistance of Malinche in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec empire permanently subordinated and subdued Latin Americans. The second inequality resides between the mestizo and the indigenous people. The development of malinchismo, the implication that one is not genuinely Mexican but rather influenced by foreigners, created divisions between the society of Mexico. The mixture of European and indigenous blood prevents the mestizo race from identification with Mexican culture. “Oh, maldición de Malinche… Cuándo dejarás mi tierra…?” The development of the mixed race alienated the unfaithful mestizos from the pure indigenous population. “La Maldición De La Malinche” illustrates the Mexican inheritance of the sins and the problems created la Malinche. On the other hand the Chicana author, Carmen Tafolla, regards Malinche as the “Eva” of the utopia of the Americas who was incriminated for the fall of the native people. In the poem, “La Malinche,” the identity of the “Eva” is transformed by relating the history of her condemnation. Mexican history portrays Malinche as a traitor rather than someone who took destiny into her own hands. However the efforts of the Chicana movement reinterpreted her identity. The poem reflects how Malinche is no longer regarded as a symbol of betrayal but rather as a strong survivor. The development of the feminist consciousness in “La Malinche” begins with her displacement from “noble ancestry” to “slavery” “so that [her] brother could get [her] inheritance.” The unjust subordination of women in Aztec society provokes Malinche to “dream” of “another world,” a world without gender discrimination. Malinche became an “interpreter, advisor, and lover” in the pursuit of justice. However society “could not imagine [her] dealing on a level/ with [Cortes]—so they said [she] was raped, used/ chingada.” As a “chingada,” Malinche was regarded as an archetype of female weakness rather than an advocate of gender and racial equality. Despite disapproval, Malinche maintained her strength and her voice in a harsh society that targeted women. As a woman striving for independence, Malinche invokes her own power by using first person point of view, “Yo soy la Malinche.” Malinche consistently proves herself as a survivor. Historically her brilliance has been overshadowed by her collaboration with the Spanish conquerors. However Carmen Tafolla and other Chingada writers transformed her identity from a traitor to the proud mother of Mexico. Malinche served as a diplomat for the sujetos subalternos. Her destruction of gender lines in society and social hierarchy was crucial in achieving la igualdad universal.

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[ 1 ]. Jane, Suzan. “La Malinche.” ¡A que sí! 3rd ed. CENGAGE, 2004. 187–193. Print.
[ 2 ]. Jane, Suzan. “La Malinche.” ¡A que sí! 3rd ed. CENGAGE, 2004. 187–193. Print.
[ 3 ]. Ochoa, Amparo, and Gabino Palomares. La maldición de Malinche. (Video en Youtube). 1975. Audio Recording.
[ 4 ]. Ochoa, Amparo, and Gabino Palomares. La maldición de Malinche. (Video en Youtube). 1975. Audio Recording.
[ 5 ]. Tafolla, Carmen. “La Malinche.” Women in World History. Web. 28 Sept. 2012.
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[ 7 ]. Tafolla, Carmen. “La Malinche.” Women in World History. Web. 28 Sept. 2012.
[ 8 ]. Tafolla, Carmen. “La Malinche.” Women in World History. Web. 28 Sept. 2012.
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