Oubao Moin: Musings of a colonial subject

• In Event: Centering the margins: Disrupting colonial discourses through photovoice

Abstract

Mignolo (2005) refers to a colonial matrix of power which continues to be in effect in the day to day lives of Latin American citizens. Puerto Rico is considered by many as the oldest colony of the world. Coloniality is a reality in the lives of Puerto Ricans. This photovoice project illuminates the experiences of a Puerto Rican graduate student and offers a critique of the colonial system which still affects the lives of her people. From the imposition of Catholicism by the Spanish empire during the conquest to the hurricane response this past year by the federal government, Puerto Ricans have suffered for the past 500 years the inequality inherent in a colonial system. Utilizing narrative, photographs, and music, this project shares her struggle to decolonize her thoughts and language, and dares to dream of a future when her community takes its rightful place in the world.

Author

• Neritza Diaz-Cruz, University of New Mexico