Malinche: The Voice of a Nation
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Gloria Anzaldua and other Chicanas know what it is like to be
dishonored by the Charge that they were the betrayers. They see
Malinche as an avatar, a person who bridges cultures. Deena Gonzalez,
Dean o f Chicano/a studies at M arymount University, notes: “She had a
tongue and used it, had space and occupied it, had knowledge and
applied it” (12). Gonzalez argues that Chicanas should recast Malinche
as the first feminist o f the Americas (12). In assuming these roles,
Malinche becomes not only a Chicana archetype, but also a Symbol of
M exico as a whole.
No one knows the exact dates o f M alinche’s birth and death, her
tribal affiliation, or the exact nature o f her relationship with Cortes. Yet,
throughout history, many have put words into her mouth. Malinche
spoke only the words o f others, leaving none