|
“Cultural
memory in the rituals of the Mexican diaspora in the United
States: the role of the corridos about immigration
played by conjuntos norteños and the aesthetics
of the bailes norteños”
The purpose of the present study is to
explore the role that corridos about migration sung
by conjuntos norteños, play in shaping the cultural
identity of part of the Mexican diaspora living in the United
States. In particular, this study attempted to explore the
shared aesthetics, social roles, values and construction of
cultural narratives that are embodied in corridos about
migration as well as in the experiences of listening, dancing
and performing corridos performed by conjuntos
norteños. This study is particularly relevant because
intercultural communication has devoted little attention to
musical cultural expressions, particularly folkloric songs
and performances. The present study explores the role
of music in shaping cultural identity through the experience
of listening to, dancing, and singing corridos
The present study examined cultural
expressions that Mexican migrants maintain, create and perform
in the United States. The study found a high level of congruence
between the personal life experiences of Mexican migrants
in the United States and, the content of the corridos
about immigration and organizing of communities for the performance
of corridos. Second, the part of the Mexican diaspora
community that consume corridos and norteño
music exercise a great control and autonomy over the content
of the corridos, the manner of their dissemination,
the place where the corridos are played, and the performative
act of the corrido.
Copyright © 2003
Smithsonian Institution |
