Personal Dictionary

Cynthia Cervantes
 Table of Contents
1.Aesthetic
2.Cultural Appropriation
3.Cultural Wealth
4.Pedagogy
5.Creator mindset
6.Victim Mindset
1. Aesthetic
Context: The Chola Aesthetic was first forged by the marginalized Mexican American youths
of Southern California.
My Guess: Beautiful; pleasing to the eye / A fashion statement
Definition: adjective concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.
Why it matters: The chola aesthetic is a symbol of the strength of many Chicanas through the
generations. It's a style depicting independence and fearlessness and feminism before its time.
While reading it you begin to understand the truth and the culture behind the chola aesthetic
and not just the stereotype.
Critical thinking question: Has the Chola aesthetic changed overtime? How? And has it lost
all meaning/culture and become just the stereotype of an angry gangster latina?
1. Aesthetic Visualization
These images represent the transformation over the ages and how the chola aesthetic and
fashion has evolved.
2. Cultural Appropriation
Context: As with most instances of cultural appropriation, when the chola look is worn by pop
starlets, it gets stripped of context and becomes little more than a costume.
My Guess: insensitive to someone's native roots or culture
Definition:
Cultural-adjective of or relating to the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a society.
Appropriation-noun the action of taking something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission.
Why it matters: The whole concept that Calderon is talking about is that fact that many
people do not see the culture and history behind the chola style. People just use the
appearance as a costume or as a fashion statement, but don't realise what it truly stands for.
Critical Thinking question: How is dressing like a chola cultural appropriation? Explain.
2. Cultural Appropriation Visualization
These images depict the different types of well known cultural appropriation that is presented
and shown throughout our society.
3. Cultural Wealth
Context: Indeed, a CRT lens can see that Communities of Color nurture cultural wealth
through at least 6 forms of capital such as
My Guess: A person's individual strength and knowledge gained through their communities
and home
Definition: an array of knowledges, skills, abilities and contacts possessed and used by Communities of Color to
survive and resist racism and other forms of oppression
Why it matters: This is important because Yosso talks throughout the text on how cultural
wealth is important and how the different types of cultural wealth bring an array of strengths
to the classroom.
Critical thinking question: How does Cultural Wealth effect your education , and the time
you are in the classroom?
3. Cultural Wealth Visualizations
I chose these images as they represent people's culture and heritage, and our culture
influences who we are through the lessons that are taught.
4. Pedagogy
Context: CRT centers the research, pedagogy, and policy lens on Communities of Color and
calls into question White middle class communities as the standard by which all others are
judged.
My Guess: classroom; style of teaching
Definition: noun the method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept.
Why it matters: Throughout the text Yosso talks on how education is a crucial part of
development and success. Pedagogy is basically the definition for the practice of teaching and
the growth in progressive changes in teachings methods.
Critical thinking question: How do you feel about the education system and its
representation with people of color?
4. Pedagogy
This image represents the growth that we take from education and how our mind develops with
knowledge.
5. Creator Mindset
Context: When I have a creator mindset, I refuse to be opressed.
My Guess: People's ability to take on responsibility for themselves and make the right choices
Definition: A Creator Mindset causes people to see multiple options, choose wisely among
them, and take effective actions to achieve the life they want
Why it matters: This is an important mindset to carry with you throughout your life. Instead of
living through life as a victim, you need to take on responsibility and realise that some things
are out of your control.
Critical thinking question: How do you incorporate a creator mindset into your everyday
life?
5. Creator Mindset Visualization
This image represents the change from being a victim and taking on responsibility.
6. Victim Mindset
Context: When I have a Victim mindset, I become my own oppressor.
My guess: Someone who blames others and external factors for their own misfortunes
Definition: Keeps people from seeing and acting on choices that could help them achieve the
life they want
Why it matters: This is important to know the difference in mindsets and to determine on
whether or not you have been going through a Victim or creator mindset.
Critical thinking question: How would you describe yourself? As a victim or a creator.
Why?
6. Victim Mindset
This image represents all that victims say, they do not take on responsibility and place the
blame on other people.