A McOndo Writer's Take on Literature in the Era of Audiovisual and Digital Communication: The Case of Alberto Fuguet's Las pel�culas de mi vida

Abstract

Alberto Fuguet, one of the leaders of the McOndo writers who seek cultural direction from the United States and exploit mass-media formulas, is a polarizing figure in contemporary Latin American culture. His most recent full-length novel, the semi-autobiographical Las películas de mi vida (2003), has led many to conclude that Fuguet is simply a pawn of North American cultural hegemony rather than a true literary groundbreaker. This study, however, argues that Las películas de mi vida epitomizes Fuguet's pivotal position at the confluence of a global shift from a logo-centric to an audiovisual- and digital-centered culture, and reveals his use of pop culture as a strategy to make a place for his writing within the literary canon. Highlighting Las películas de mi vida within the context of his aesthetics, this article will explore Fuguet's seemingly contradictory status as both cultural agent provocateur and heir to Latin American literary tradition. Furthermore, it will refute the notion that Fuguet is a lackey of US cultural imperialism and show that he seeks to craft his own identity.