River of Hope

Forging Identity and Nation in the Rio Grande Borderlands

Nonfiction, History, Americas, North America, Mexico, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Ethnic Studies
Cover of the book River of Hope by Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez, Duke University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez ISBN: 9780822395058
Publisher: Duke University Press Publication: January 16, 2013
Imprint: Duke University Press Books Language: English
Author: Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez
ISBN: 9780822395058
Publisher: Duke University Press
Publication: January 16, 2013
Imprint: Duke University Press Books
Language: English

In River of Hope, Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez examines state formation, cultural change, and the construction of identity in the lower Rio Grande region during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. He chronicles a history of violence resulting from multiple conquests, of resistance and accommodation to state power, and of changing ethnic and political identities. The redrawing of borders neither began nor ended the region's long history of unequal power relations. Nor did it lead residents to adopt singular colonial or national identities. Instead, their regionalism, transnational cultural practices, and kinship ties subverted state attempts to control and divide the population.

Diverse influences transformed the borderlands as Spain, Mexico, and the United States competed for control of the region. Indian slaves joined Spanish society; Mexicans allied with Indians to defend river communities; Anglo Americans and Mexicans intermarried and collaborated; and women sued to confront spousal abuse and to secure divorces. Drawn into multiple conflicts along the border, Mexican nationals and Mexican Texans (tejanos) took advantage of their transnational social relations and ambiguous citizenship to escape criminal prosecution, secure political refuge, and obtain economic opportunities. To confront the racialization of their cultural practices and their increasing criminalization, tejanos claimed citizenship rights within the United States and, in the process, created a new identity.

Published in cooperation with the William P. Clements Center for Southwest Studies, Southern Methodist University.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In River of Hope, Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez examines state formation, cultural change, and the construction of identity in the lower Rio Grande region during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. He chronicles a history of violence resulting from multiple conquests, of resistance and accommodation to state power, and of changing ethnic and political identities. The redrawing of borders neither began nor ended the region's long history of unequal power relations. Nor did it lead residents to adopt singular colonial or national identities. Instead, their regionalism, transnational cultural practices, and kinship ties subverted state attempts to control and divide the population.

Diverse influences transformed the borderlands as Spain, Mexico, and the United States competed for control of the region. Indian slaves joined Spanish society; Mexicans allied with Indians to defend river communities; Anglo Americans and Mexicans intermarried and collaborated; and women sued to confront spousal abuse and to secure divorces. Drawn into multiple conflicts along the border, Mexican nationals and Mexican Texans (tejanos) took advantage of their transnational social relations and ambiguous citizenship to escape criminal prosecution, secure political refuge, and obtain economic opportunities. To confront the racialization of their cultural practices and their increasing criminalization, tejanos claimed citizenship rights within the United States and, in the process, created a new identity.

Published in cooperation with the William P. Clements Center for Southwest Studies, Southern Methodist University.

More books from Duke University Press

Cover of the book Ingenious Citizenship by Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez
Cover of the book Plastic Bodies by Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez
Cover of the book The Theater of Operations by Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez
Cover of the book Solitaire of Love by Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez
Cover of the book History after Apartheid by Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez
Cover of the book Intimate Activism by Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez
Cover of the book The Minor Gesture by Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez
Cover of the book Hard Times in the Marvelous City by Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez
Cover of the book Go-Go Live by Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez
Cover of the book Media Heterotopias by Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez
Cover of the book Subalternity and Representation by Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez
Cover of the book Steve Lacy by Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez
Cover of the book Mexico’s Once and Future Revolution by Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez
Cover of the book Impossible Purities by Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez
Cover of the book The Brazil Reader by Omar S. Valerio-Jiménez
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy