Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2014

Abstract

This paper uses Critical Race Theory and LatCrit terminology, analytical approaches, and discursive conventions, including autobiographical narratives. From their inception, names are embedded with meaning and coded with identity, and over time, they become layered with nuance and memory. We divide this article into three sections, Part I is a brief overview of recent commentaries in newspapers and public radio related to names, particularly as they pertain to identity and specifically to Latinas/os. Part II is a description of how Professor Irene Vasquez has used Name Narratives in the undergraduate classroom to help students deepen their understanding of their cultural heritage and augment their mental toolbox, a metaphor illustrating the concept of cognitive diversity. Part III examines how Diana and Jeannette have used the Name Narrative tool in the educational pipeline programs for the health professions. Name stories introduce elements of Cultural and Linguistic Competence, a set of communication and interpersonal tools that are taught to health professionals to address racial and ethnic health disparities and thereby improve health outcomes.

Publication Title

California Western Law Reivew

Volume

48

First Page

417

Keywords

Critical Race Theory, Name Narrative, Naming, Identity, LatCrit, Narrative, Cognitive diversity, cultural and linguistic competence, racial health disiparities, ethnic health disiparities

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.