Fatherhood in the Borderlands: A Daughter's Slow Approach

Fatherhood in the Borderlands is a 2023 finalist for the Best Academic Themed Book, College Level - English, International Latino Book Awards. It is a contemplative exploration of cultural representations of Mexican American fathers in contemporary media, combining cultural history, literary criticism, and memoir. The book examines the value of creative inquiry and the nuanced portrayal of Mexican American fathers in literature and film, highlighting the shifting tension in the borderlands and the cultural landscape that has allowed such racialized representation to continue.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2022
Publisher: University of Texas Press

A profound exploration of the cultural representations of Mexican American fathers in contemporary media takes center stage in "Fatherhood in the Borderlands." This captivating book, recognized as a 2023 finalist for the Best Academic Themed Book at the College Level, English category, and the International Latino Book Awards, delves into the intricate connections between media consumption and the formation of our understanding of race, class, and gender in the borderlands.

The author, Domino Perez, embarked on this introspective journey as a young girl growing up in Houston, Texas, during the vibrant 1980s. Her passion for books and films fueled her constant contemplation of the media she consumed. Perez's research approach, characterized by her "slow" approach, is rooted in the belief that meaningful connections between these media and our learning processes form the foundation of her exploration.

"Fatherhood in the Borderlands" seamlessly blends cultural history, literary criticism, and personal memoir to provide a comprehensive examination of the portrayal of Mexican American fathers in literature and film. Through her incisive analysis, Perez sheds light on the evolving tension within popular narratives and explores how form, genre, and subject influence the roles Mexican American fathers are allowed to occupy. She also draws attention to the cultural landscape that has allowed a racialized representation of Mexican American fathers to persist for countless years, unopposed.

Perez takes readers on a journey to the crossroads of white cultural mainstream in the United States and Mexican American cultural productions. She carefully examines the legibility and illegibility of Brown fathers in contemporary media, raising important questions about representation and identity. This book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities and nuances of fatherhood within the Mexican American community, challenging readers to consider the broader societal implications of these representations.

"Fatherhood in the Borderlands" is a testament to the power of creative inquiry and the importance of examining the media we consume. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of race, class, and gender in the borderlands. Through its insightful analysis and compelling storytelling, this book contributes to our collective understanding of the human experience and the role of media in shaping our perceptions.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780292745537