The representation of machismo in literary journalism: How Luis Alberto Urrea, Ruben Martinez, and Mexicans narrate stories of machismo

Abstract

This article uses critical discourse on the genre of literary journalism to conceptualize machismo as a primary means of representing the male gender in Mexico. The way gender and machismo are socially constructed and the stories Mexican men tell themselves about machismo influences their performance of it. This article addresses issues of gender representation and discusses what literary techniques authors of literary journalism employ to investigate the construction of Mexican masculinity. Modern day conceptions of machismo are still associated with traditional connotations of hyper-masculinity; it is a socially prescribed role internalized as the public ideal acting to inform women of societal expectations of men. Engrained deep in the culture, machismo is to a degree exacerbated by alcohol, leading to violence and spousal abuse. One major question is whether literary journalism can lead to a greater truth if authors use stylistic techniques that limit the reader’s understanding of how conclusions were formed. However, this question is inconsequential if it can lead people to find their own truths and start social change. Whether the actual connotations of machismo within the Mexican culture are changing is minor compared to whether Mexicans can reach a higher truth by negotiating the representation of gender and machismo in their own lives. How machismo is represented can lead to social change as stories are constantly changing.
 
 Keywords: machismo (representations of); male gender (social constructions of); gender representation; Mexico; stylistic techniques (writing); literary journalism