In “Where did Mexicans come from?” Written by Gregory Rodriguez, he goes into detail about how “origin myths” and narratives can shape how we view history, in a negative or positive way. He states that many Mexicans mythologize the story of Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes’ brutal conquest of Mexico, and the story of his interpreter and mistress, Doña Marina, also known as La Malinche, an Aztec woman sold into slavery later playing a major role in the Spanish conquest. She also bore a son with Hernan Cortes named Martin Cortes, who would be one of the first people of indigenous and European ancestry. Many monuments of Cortes or specifically La Malinche are not found in Mexico City, where she passed away. Post Mexican independence (circa early 19th century) was an era where many “Mexican nationalists, who sought to distance themselves from their European heritage, demonized the conquerors in general and Doña Marina in particular” (Rodriguez 1) Many felt La Malinche was a traitor to her own people-which can explain the lack of monuments of her. Rodriguez continues to explain the inner turmoil many Mexicans face, having pride for their indigenous roots, and on the other hand, dealing with the discrimination of their indigenous roots and the glorification of whiteness from the effects of the colonial caste system that still very much exists today. What do you think of many Mexicans rejecting the La Malinche/Cortes story? Do you agree or disagree? 

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