The links of three articles:
http://writing.colostate.edu/files/classes/6500/file_ec147617-ade5-3d9c-c89ff0384aeca15b.pdf
http://thevalueofsparrows.com/2013/07/06/saturday-reading-entering-into-the-serpent-by-gloria-anzaldua/
http://sydbrown.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/John-Edgar-Wideman-Our-Time.pdf
In “Arts of the Contact Zone,” Mary talks about the “autoethnographic” text, “a text in which people undertake to describe themselves in ways that engage with representations others have made of them”, and about “transculturation,” the “processes whereby members of subordinated or marginal groups select and invent from materials transmitted by a dominant or metropolitan culture”.
First, summarize and analyze Pratt’s argument. What are the contact zones and what type of representations come out of them? Explain and consider her use of the terms “ethnographic texts,””autoethnographic texts,” “autochthonous texts,” and “transculturation.” Why are these types of writings important? What do they signify?What qualifies a text as autoethnographic, and what cultural work do those texts perform?
Then, reread “Entering into the serpent” and “our time” with Pratt’s discussion in mind. In your essay present a reading of Anzaldua and Wideman as examples of autoethnographic texts. In what ways do these texts fit Pratt’s description? Are there any ways in which they do not fit the qualifications for an autoethnographic text? Why is it important to consider these texts in this way? What does it add to our understanding of them?
Remember that beyond merely summarizing Pratt’s argument, you need to discuss the importance of these issues and apply her terms to specific moments you see in Anzaldua and Wideman. You must use strong textual evidence from all three texts and consider in your conclusion the significance of autoethnographic projects and your readings of these texts.
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