Sandhya Ganapathy, Ph. D.
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During my 10-day Tanner Fellowship trip to Mexico City, I explored museums, landmarks, and cultural sites to learn about Mexico's pre-colonial history while reconnecting with my roots as a Mexican-American who grew up in the United States. Having attended public schools in NYC, I noticed a significant gap in the curriculum regarding pre-colonial histories of the regions conquered by Spain, where Indigenous peoples and their histories were often erased, and Spanish "accomplishments" were glorified. I encountered similar narratives while studying abroad in Spain, which inspired me to write an article on this topic for Weave News.
The focus of my trip was to critique and challenge dominant narratives that uphold colonial ideologies and perpetuate the erasure of Indigenous perspectives. As part of my independent Senior Year Experience (SYE) with Dr. Martha Chew Sánchez, I am utilizing qualitative research methods like observation, narrative research, and photo elicitation. For analysis, I am employing content and discourse analysis to examine the language museums use to convey colonial historical narratives. Ultimately, I aim to contribute my findings to Weave News and present a photo essay documenting my research.
A meaningful aspect of my Tanner Fellowship experience was bringing my father along. We stayed with a family friend, whose hospitality enriched our experience. My father, an immigrant who came to the U.S. at 15, had never had the opportunity to travel and connect with his own culture in this way. His insights gave me a more authentic understanding of Mexico, and I was also able to immerse myself in my family's small rural town of Huixtac, Guerrero.