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Speaker: Christopher Gonzalez, Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Endowed Chair, Department of English, Southern Methodist University

The classification of Latinx literature is a multi-faceted issue that intersects with questions of identity, narrative content, and authorship. It invites us to consider whether Latinx literature is simply a byproduct of the author’s ethnic identity or is characterized by the thematic and narrative elements within the work itself. 

In his talk, Gonzalez will delve into the core of Latinx literature, examining historical perspectives and contemporary discourse. He will explore the tension between authorial authenticity and narrative content and the contentious issue of who gets to write Latinx stories.

Additionally, he will question what is deemed allowable in stories about and by the Latinx community and how socio-political factors and power dynamics influence what narratives are told and published. 

The talk will conclude with reflections on the future of Latinx literature and foster a deeper understanding of what it means to tell — and listen to — a Latinx story.