Congratulations to alumna, Dr. Nancy Yan, and OSU-IU Student Conference keynote speaker, Dr. Rachel Gonzàlez, on their recent podcast episode for New Books in Folklore! “In this podcast, we talk about how Dr. Gonzàlez’s move from studying neurology to studying folklore and why it was so important to study quinceañera with the lens of representation rather than ritual.  We also discuss the ways in which aspirations of class mobility and Americanity are articulated through style and consumerist choices.  The digital sphere also serves as an important creative space where information about quinceaneras – from clothing, advice, themes, and videos – are shared and allow young women and/or her family to imagine the possibilities for constructing a celebration that reflect their own ideals.  Lastly, we discuss the ways in which Lia Garcia, a trans activist based in Mexico, uses the quinceañera in performance art to challenge perceptions of the body.” 

Dr. Rachel Gonzàlez is an Associate Professor of Mexican American and Latino/a Studies at the University of Texas at Austin.

Nancy Yan received her PhD in folklore from The Ohio State University and taught First Year Writing, Comparative Studies, and Asian American studies for several years before returning to organizing work. 

Listen to New Books in Folklore wherever you access podcasts.