Instructions:
Activist Version:
Read about Kamala Harris’ Gender-Based Violence Initiative before you write your letter.
Link: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/06/07/fact-sheet-vice-president-harris-announces-new-commitments-supporting-womens-economic-empowerment-in-latin-america/
Write a 10-page letter (2500 words) to Vice President Kamala Harris in response to the questions:
Of the different representations of the Juárez femicides, we studied this quarter, three books (Desert Blood: The Juarez Murders” by Alicia Gaspar de Alba, “The Daughters of Juarez: A True Story of Serial Murder South of the Border” by Teresa Rodriguez and Diane Montané, and “Terrorizing Women: Feminicide in the Americas” by Rosa-Linda Fregoso and Cynthia Bejarano) and three films (Bordertown by Gregory Nava, El Traspatio/The Backyard Film by Carlos Carrera, and Maquilapolis Documentary Film by Vicky Funari and Sergio De La Torre) do you think most accurately convey the 30-year herstory of these crimes, and tell the story of the femicides, as well as the struggle for social justice for the victims and their families?
How much did you know about this 30-year crime wave of brutally murdered Mexican, Central American, and indigenous women in Juárez?
What most shocked or surprised you in these materials?
What most stirred you to learn more or want to take action?
In your conclusion, advocate for what you think needs to be done to help put an end to the social apathy that continues to mire these crimes in silence north of the border. What First World resources and legislation are needed to stop the perpetrators and promote social justice for the poor, brown women of the U.S.-Mexico border?
In your letter, you should begin by saying something about yourself and the reason you’re writing to her: to persuade her to learn more about the Juárez femicides which have been going on since 1993 and have taken the lives of thousands of young Mexican women and girls, many of whom come to get low-paying jobs at factories owned by American companies that make American consumer goods. You can then go on to write up the assignment as described, but keep in mind that you are writing to a real person from a real person. In your conclusion, reiterate the impact that learning this information in our class has had on you and urge her to take action.
Reminder when writing the letter, think about why Kamala Harris needs to read or/and watch these films (raise awareness). You may also make a commentary on Biden’s recent visit to the border of Juarez (give your opinion if it was helpful or not).
Be sure to cite your sources correctly within the text and to provide a correctly formatted bibliography in MLA format.
I have included a word document with summaries and representations of the Juarez murders for the books and films. These summaries are from a blog page so please do not copy them. They can be used to help you with ideas on what to write.
I have also included a sample from a classmate of what she has written so far to give you an idea. She hasn’t answered the questions in the instructions but it is an idea of how she’s gotten started. At the very end, I have included short responses to the questions to get a personal feel for me.
I have attached the three PDFs for the books to use as well as other books and articles we used to reference and cite. NO OUTSIDE SOURCES OR REFERENCES. ONLY USE WHAT IS PRESENTED IN THE UPLOADS.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE REACH OUT. THANK YOU.
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