La Virgen De Guadalupe Research Paper

Anzaldua identifies how La Virgen de Guadalupe has had her impact in history. In Mexican history, she is said to have helped with the freedom of Mexico from Spain. In Roman history, she was named “Mother of God”. She was an enduring figure to the Indians during times of mass suffering and “near genocide”. And today, in many places she is recognized as more important that god. Although Chicanos /Mexicans may have identify barriers, the one thing that is undeniable about who they are, is the impact and importance that La Virgen de Guadalupe has had on them. Moreover, La Virgen de Guadalupe is acknowledged regardless of race, language and religion. She is an essence of Mexican culture and an important figure in history. “Nuestra abogaga siempre seras/Our mediatrix you will always be…La Virgen de Guadalupe is the of ethnic identity and of the tolerance for ambiguity that Chicanos-Mexicanos, people of mixed race, people who have Indian blood, people who cross cultures, by necessity possess” (Anzaldua, 47). Culture and religion are two components of life that are understood and are important in all racial groups among the world. Religion, since antiquated times, has served as a positive outlet, especially during
times of turmoil and disorder.
La Virgen de Guadalupe represents hope, resilience and strength for a many people.
Anzaldua states, “She is the symbol of the mestizo true to his or her Indian values. La cultura Chicana identifies with the mother (Indian) rather than with the father (Spanish)” (Anzaldua, 52). Mestizo is Latin for mixed. It can be described as a mixture of culture or races. Presumably, one’s race or ethnicity determines one’s religion. La Virgen de Guadalupe represents a mixture of many different cultures that belonged to an array of racial groups including, Indian, White and African. Her Dark skinned was seen as a beckon for those of color, particularly during the oppressive reign of the Spanish where they were known to have taken advantage of women from many racial
groups.
Today, La Virgen de Guadalupe is a very important deity in the Catholic religion, particularly in the United States. La Virgen de Guadalupe is the biggest influence that brings different people of Mexican heritage together. However, Anzaldua explains that, it does not matter if one is Mexican or of mixed race, she is viewed as a positive image and is it a “necessity” for those who share a common history of oppression, despair or injustice. But perhaps most importantly, she is the link between humans and divinity. Individuals no matter what race or what language they speak, inevitably seek questions from a higher power, especially during times of hardships. She, for many, represents that liaison between finding that connection with something greater than them.