Episode 3: New Mexico Has a Hispano White Nationalism Problem

Apr 6, 2021

Delve into the complexities of Hispano identity in New Mexico, where a unique form of white nationalism takes root. Discover how historical revisionism attempts to glorify Spanish conquest while denying indigenous atrocities. The conversation reveals how a constructed Spanish-American identity emerged post-U.S.-Mexican War for social acceptance. Learn about the painful cultural erasure of indigenous roots, the myths perpetuated through literature, and the challenges of reclaiming indigenous ancestry in today's society.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Hispano Identity As Whiteness

New Mexico Hispano white nationalism frames Hispanos as primarily white Spaniards despite indigenous ancestry.
This ideology prioritizes European identity and uses mestizo claims to justify racism against indigenous peoples.

INSIGHT

Racial Fantasy Born From Survival

The Hispano racial fantasy formed after the U.S.–Mexico War to escape Anglo racism and gain acceptance.
Elevating Spanish ancestry recast mixed-blood Nuevo Mexicanos as noble Europeans and eased Anglo hostility.

ANECDOTE

Childhood Encounter With Hispano Identity

Kurly recounts his family's mixed Mexica/Tlaxcalteca origins and move to southern Colorado.
He recalls a New Mexican kid insisting "it's Spanish, not Mexican" when Kurly called himself Chicano.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

New Mexico Has a Hispano White Nationalism Problem

When you hear the phrase “white nationalist” the sad image of an angry young skinhead toting a nazi flag and snapping out the fascist salute may come to mind. But here in New Mexico, we have a brand of white nationalism rooted in “Hispano” identity. And while the people promoting this ideology may look quite different from the angry skinhead, their objectives are no less dangerous.

So, what is a "Hispano" white nationalist you might ask?

Your hosts:

Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He is currently a professor of Chicano Studies at the Colegio Chicano del Pueblo, a free online educational institution.

Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus.

Works Mentioned in this Episode:
New Mexico has a Hispano White Nationalist Problem - Kurly Tlapoyawa

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!

Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!
Start for FREE

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Your Hosts:

Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.
@kurlytlapoyawa

Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus.

Find us:

Merch: Shop Aztlantis

Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking