Fatefully, Faithfully Feminist - (Critical Mexican Studies) by Carlos Monsiváis

About the Book

A critical anthology of writings by renowned cultural critic Carlos Monsiváis

Book Synopsis

This critical anthology of writings by Carlos Monsiváis represents a foundational set of texts by an exceptional (yet under-translated) Mexican cultural critic. Fatefully, Faithfully Feminist situates the urgencies of social movements as they developed in real time. Spanning from 1973 to 2008, Monsiváis's essays, which were originally compiled by scholar Marta Lamas, analyze the role of women in a patriarchal culture from pre-Columbian times to the present. This critical edition offers extensive annotation and cultural background to understand the cogent, but particularly Mexican arguments that Monsiváis makes, many of which are extremely relevant in today's political economy in the US and the world. Norma Klahn and Ilana Luna's translation, critical introduction, and commentary consider issues of context, history, and conventions, framing Monsiváis's debates in relation to global feminist history and human rights struggles.

Review Quotes

"The essays collected in [Misógino feminista] are . . . stunning for their style and expression, from a thinker who delves deep into the reality of Mexican society, particularly women's condition, through heartfelt feminist beliefs."
--Magdalena Galindo, Debate Feminista

"What I like most about this book is its unflagging appeal to intelligence from which it sustains its arguments that, coming from his pen, sounded unquestionable. Feminism, for Monsiváis, wasn't just a political position. It was undeniable: a question of reason."
--Hortensia Moreno, Debate Feminista

About the Author

Carlos Monsiváis (1938-2010) was and continues to be recognized as one of the most renowned Mexican cultural critics of the second half of the twentieth century.

Norma Klahn is a professor emerita and research professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Ilana Luna is an associate professor of Latin American studies and Spanish at Arizona State University.