Carlos Monsiváis

Carlos Monsiváis [1†]

Carlos Monsiváis Aceves (May 4, 1938 – June 19, 2010) was a Mexican philosopher, writer, critic, political activist, and journalist[1†]. He was born in Mexico City[1†][2†][3†] and was part of a generation of writers that included Elena Poniatowska, José Emilio Pacheco, and Carlos Fuentes[1†][4†]. Monsiváis was known for his political opinion columns in leading newspapers within the country’s progressive sectors[1†].

Early Years and Education

Carlos Monsiváis Aceves was born on May 4, 1938, in Mexico City[1†][5†][3†]. He was born into a Protestant family[1†][3†]. From an early age, Monsiváis cultivated a love of reading and writing[1†][3†]. By the time he had finished elementary school, he had read the Bible and many classic works of literature[1†][3†].

Monsiváis studied economics and philosophy at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)[1†][5†]. As a student, Monsiváis was involved with protests that reestablished Mexican democracy[1†][5†].

From 1956 to 1958, he worked at Medio Siglo (“Half Century”) magazine and “Estaciones” (“Seasons”) from 1957 to 1959[1†][5†]. His writings, some of which are written with an ironic undertone, show a deep understanding of the origin and development of Mexican popular culture[1†][5†]. As a movie critic during this time period, he is considered one of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema’s premiere observers[1†][5†].

Career Development and Achievements

Carlos Monsiváis began his career as a writer and journalist in the late 1950s[1†][6†]. From 1956 to 1958, he worked at Medio Siglo (“Half Century”) magazine and “Estaciones” (“Seasons”) from 1957 to 1959[1†][6†]. His writings, some of which are written with an ironic undertone, show a deep understanding of the origin and development of Mexican popular culture[1†][6†]. As a movie critic during this time period, he is considered one of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema’s premiere observers[1†][6†].

From 1962 to 1963 and 1967 to 1968, Monsiváis was a fellow at the “Centro Mexicano de Escritores” (“Mexican Writers’s Center”)[1†]. In 1965, he attended Harvard University’s Center for International Studies[1†]. In 1969, Monsiváis published his first two essays: “Principados y potestades” (lit. “Princedoms and powers”) and “Características de la cultura nacional” (lit. “Characteristics of the national culture”)[1†]. They were characterized as being filled with a universal curiosity and the ability to distill the core essence of Mexican political and cultural life[1†].

Monsiváis wrote for almost every major Mexican newspaper and magazine, but was particularly associated with the pioneering left-leaning magazine Proceso and the daily La Jornada[1†][4†]. He also wrote political opinion columns in leading newspapers within the country’s progressive sectors[1†][6†]. His generation of writers includes Elena Poniatowska, José Emilio Pacheco, and Carlos Fuentes[1†][6†].

Monsiváis won more than 33 awards, including the 1986 Jorge Cuesta Prize (named after a fellow writer about whom he wrote a book), the 1989 Mazatlán Prize, and the 1996 Xavier Villaurrutia Award[1†][6†]. He was a staunch critic of the long-ruling Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI), leaned towards the left-wing, and was ubiquitous in disseminating his views on radio and television[1†][6†].

First Publication of His Main Works

Carlos Monsiváis was a prolific writer and critic, with a wide range of works that have significantly contributed to Mexican literature and cultural criticism[1†]. Here are some of his main works:

• “Días de guardar” (1971): This is one of Monsiváis’s earliest works[1†]. It is a collection of essays that provide a critical and insightful view of Mexican society[1†][7†].
• “Amor perdido” (1977): In this work, Monsiváis explores the theme of lost love[1†][8†][7†].
• “Escenas de pudor y liviandad” (1981): This book provides a critical analysis of Mexican society and culture[1†][8†][9†].
• “Entrada libre” (1987): This is a collection of chronicles about Mexican society[1†][9†].
• “Los rituales del caos” (1995): This book provides a critical analysis of the chaotic rituals of modern life[1†][8†].
• “Los mil y un velorios: Crónica de la nota roja en México” (1994): This work provides a critical view of the Mexican society through the lens of crime news[1†][8†].
• “Apocalipstick” (2009): This is one of Monsiváis’s later works, providing a satirical view of the end of the world[1†][8†].
• “Que se abra esa puerta: crónicas y ensayos sobre la diversidad sexual” (2010): This work provides a critical and insightful view of sexual diversity[1†][8†].

Each of these works reflects Monsiváis’s keen observation and critical analysis of Mexican society and culture. His writings, filled with intricate ironies and universal curiosity, distill the essence of Mexican political and cultural life[1†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Carlos Monsiváis was a key figure in Mexican literature and cultural criticism[10†]. His work, particularly his crónicas, offered a unique perspective on Mexican society and culture[10†][11†]. He was known for his keen observation, intricate ironies, and universal curiosity[10†].

Monsiváis’s work was characterized by a balance of modernity, democracy, and popular culture[10†]. His writings reflected the turbulent times in Mexico and gave voice to civil society’s continuing struggle for democracy[10†][11†]. He was both a heterodox pioneer and a mainstream spokesman, with his ideology examined in relation to theoretical postures in Latin America, the United States, and Europe[10†][12†].

His work was not just an appraisal but also offered a valuable discussion of theoretical issues surrounding the study of the chronicle as it is currently practiced in Mexico[10†]. His writings documented important discoveries in his search for causes, effects, and deconstructions of historical obstacles to Mexico’s passage into modernity[10†].

Monsiváis’s work has been recognized for its importance in understanding Mexican culture. His vision of Mexican culture was placed within a theoretical framework that recognized its significance[10†][13†]. His work between 1970 and 1995 documents important discoveries in his search for causes, effects, and deconstructions of historical obstacles to Mexico’s passage into modernity[10†].

Personal Life

Carlos Monsiváis was known for his unique personality and lifestyle. He was a vocal supporter of gay rights, but he never discussed his own sexuality in public, keeping his private life to himself apart from the odd reference to an underlying melancholy[4†]. He was famed for his crumpled appearance and adoration of cats[4†]. As a founding member of “Gatos Olvidados”, Monsiváis wanted his and other “forgotten cats” to be provided for beyond his lifetime[4†][6†].

Monsiváis was frequently interviewed for his wit and near-encyclopedic knowledge, often while at home surrounded by clutter and cats[4†]. His rejection of airs and graces endeared him further to an audience far wider than the one usually enamored of the intelligentsia[4†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Carlos Monsiváis Aceves left an indelible mark on Mexican culture and literature. He was a prolific writer and a supreme observer of Mexican culture[11†]. His writings, filled with universal curiosity, distilled the core essence of Mexican political and cultural life[11†][1†]. His work, particularly his crónicas, reflected Mexico’s turbulent contemporary times and gave voice to civil society’s continuing struggle for democracy[11†].

Monsiváis’s legacy extends beyond his written work. As a staunch critic of the long-ruling Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI), he leaned towards the left-wing and was ubiquitous in disseminating his views on radio and television[11†][1†]. His influence and contributions to Mexican society, social conscience, and literature are invaluable[11†][13†][10†].

His landmark book on the 1968 student movement, “Días de guardar” (1970), is considered a significant contribution to twentieth-century Mexico[11†]. Monsiváis’s work continues to be studied and appreciated for its insightful commentary on Mexican society and culture[11†][13†][10†].

Carlos Monsiváis Aceves passed away on June 19, 2010, in Mexico City[11†][1†], but his legacy lives on through his extensive body of work and the impact he had on Mexican culture and society.

Key Information

• Also Known As: Carlos Monsiváis Aceves[1†]
• Born: May 4, 1938, Mexico City, Mexico[1†]
• Died: June 19, 2010, Mexico City, Mexico[1†]
• Nationality: Mexican[1†]
• Occupation: Writer, critic, political activist, and journalist[1†]
• Notable Works: “Días de guardar” (1971)[1†]
• Notable Achievements: Monsiváis won more than 33 awards, including the 1986 Jorge Cuesta Prize, the 1989 Mazatlán Prize, and the 1996 Xavier Villaurrutia Award[1†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Carlos Monsiváis [website] - link
2. Buscabiografias.com - Biografía de Carlos Monsiváis (Su vida, historia, bio resumida) [website] - link
3. Literary Encyclopedia — Carlos Monsivais [website] - link
4. The Guardian - Carlos Monsiváis obituary [website] - link
5. Kiddle Encyclopedia - Carlos Monsiváis Facts for Kids [website] - link
6. Wikiwand - Carlos Monsiváis - Wikiwand [website] - link
7. Encyclopedia.com - Monsiváis, Carlos (1938–) [website] - link
8. Goodreads - Author: Books by Carlos Monsiváis (Author of Los rituales del caos) [website] - link
9. Prabook - Carlos Monsiváis (May 4, 1938 — June 19, 2010), Mexican critic, journalist, Political activist, writer [website] [archive] - link
10. Project MUSE - Johns Hopkins University Press - Carlos Monsiváis [website] - link
11. Duke University Press - Hispanic American Historical Review - Carlos Monsiváis: Culture and Chronicle in Contemporary Mexico [website] - link
12. University of Arizona Press - Carlos Monsiváis [website] - link
13. Google Books - Carlos Monsiváis: Culture and Chronicle in Contemporary Mexico - Linda Egan [website] - link