Single Stories: The Story Of Malinche Sor Juana

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In Latin America, life was not easy for women. They were told that they could not have their own wealth, own land, or make money. They were expected to be obedient to their superior male figure. Through this, single stories were formed about women, essentially eliminating their intersectionality. A single story is a single view of an entire group, and intersectionality is being part of multiple groups at the same time. The story of Sor Juana best shows why a single story can be an issue.
Malinche was Cortes’ personal translator on many occasions, like her journey to Honduras from 1524 to 1526. She also helped Cortes defeat the Aztecs by providing him with information so he could become allies with the Aztecs enemies. At a young age, Malinche …show more content…

As a woman, she was shunned for doing these things but she had powerful connections to protect her. Sor Juana was always interested in studying but as a woman, she was not allowed to achieve those dreams. Fortunately, the Viceroy noticed her skills and took her in, enabling her to do the things that she loved without being constantly shunned. As she grew older, she became a nun but was sometimes judged and criticized for following her passion. With support and her own debating skills, she proved her worth. Eventually she was forced to stop writing because their skills were confined to by a powerful bishop and she had no one to support her. This is an example of why single stories are issues because Sor Juana was basically prevented from contributing to society because she was a woman. I believe that Sor Juana’s story best shows why single story is a problematic because she was more directly affected by a single story than the other two. She wanted to have knowledge and express her views in the world but her identity as a woman prevented her to do so. Sor Juana was very lucky, as there were people out there to help her. Although, her situation before the Viceroy found her is very real and in some places in the world, still exists. Her story shows how difficult it was for woman to make a name for themselves in Latin

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