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| Sister Juana Ineés de la Cruz |
I enjoyed doing the Frida Kahlo post and I wanted to do
another one of my mujeres role model
from México. This is the amazing history and life of Sister Juana Ineés de la
Cruz. Sister Juana Ineés de la Cruz was born in San Miguel Nepantla near México
City. Her father, Pedri Manuel de Asbaje, was a Spanish Captain and her mother,
Isabel Ramírez, was a Criollo mujer.
Her father was absent from her life and her maternal grandfather raised her.
She was baptized on December 2, 1651 from the Catholic Church.
Juana was a smart and religious niña where it was often said that she
hid in the hacienda chapel to read her grandfather’s book that where forbidden
to girls. At age 3 she learned how to write and read. At adolescence age she
said she mastered Greek logic and at age 13 she thought Latin to young
children. She also learned the Aztec language of Nahuatl. She wanted to
continue her education and asked her mother’s permission if she could disguise
herself as a male student so she could enter the university in México City. Her
mother refused and she continued her studies privately.
In 1667 she entered the Monastery of
St. Joseph as a postulant. She chose not to enter this Order because of its
strict rules. In 1669 she entered the monastery of the Hieronymite nuns because
it had more relaxed news. Juana entered the church because she could study as
she wished and it was the only occupation, which allowed her. She stayed in
México City from 1669 until her death. Juana is known for her books that she
had published, while she was a nun. The Viceroy and Vicerenie of New Spain
became her patrons as her supported her and had her writings published in
Spain.
She had a lot of support but she also had a lot
of critics. To respond to these critics
she wrote letters about why she believes she is right. One of the most famous
letters is a “Respuesta a Sor Filotea,” in which she defended mujeres right to education. A lot of her
books had a feminist perspective and overall she was a strong mujer. Her work ethic and her
inspiration to continue studying were amazing and can be a role model to women
of color. Today she is considered to be one of the top Mexican writers and a
contributor to the Spanish Golden Age.
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| Juana on a 200 Peso Bill |
Sister Juana is inspirational to me
because she had a strong passion for education and believe that mujeres where entitled to receive one. Her
strong dedication motivates me to continue on with my studies at San Francisco
State University and had help many mujeres in México to receive one through her
words. I also liked her because there is a rumor that she might have been a lesbian.
Another strong mujer who is also
queer like me can make it in my role model list any time. Not all mujeres
in México are what you believe them to be like. Have an open mind and remember
that we are humans as well..
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