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, revealing a shifting tension in the borderlands of popular narratives. It also calls attention to the cultural landscape that has allowed such a racialized representation to continue for many years.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 06 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 the captivating book "Fatherhood in the Borderlands." Written by Domino Perez, a young girl growing up in Houston, Texas, in the 1980s, this book delves into the intricate connections between media consumption and the formation of our understanding of race, class, and gender in the borderlands.

Perez's "slow" research approach, which combines cultural history, literary criticism, and personal memoir, offers a unique perspective on the topic. Through her incisive analysis, she examines the nuanced portrayal of Mexican American fathers in literature and film, highlighting the importance of creative inquiry in understanding these complex narratives.

In "Fatherhood in the Borderlands," Perez reveals a shifting tension in the literal and figurative borderlands of popular narratives. She explores how form, genre, and subject work together to determine the roles Mexican American fathers are allowed to occupy within these narratives. She also draws attention to the cultural landscape that has allowed such a racialized representation of Mexican American fathers to persist for many years, unopposed.

One of the book's key strengths lies in its ability to bring readers directly to the intersection of the white cultural mainstream in the United States and Mexican American cultural productions. Perez carefully considers the legibility and illegibility of Brown fathers in contemporary media, raising important questions about representation and identity.

Through her thoughtful and engaging writing, Perez invites us to reflect on the complex dynamics of fatherhood, race, and culture in the borderlands. "Fatherhood in the Borderlands" is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring these themes and gaining a deeper understanding of the experiences of Mexican American men and their families.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477326343