Gentefication

by Antonio de Jesús López

“Gentefication” nuances Latinidad as not just an immigration question, but an academic one. It deals with Latinx death not as the literal passing
of bodies, but as first tied with language. It asks, what are the hauntings of a tongue that is repeatedly told, ‘one must learn English in order to succeed in this country’? What is the psychological trauma deployed not by right-wing bigots, but of white liberal institutions that give scholarships to Latinx students, but nevertheless prop up white supremacy by viewing their payments as charity? How do Latinx students become complicit in this tokenizing? “Gentefication” wrestles with this ‘survivor’s guilt’ of higher education, of feeling as if you’re the only one among your homies that ‘made it.’ And in an American moment dealing with scandals across multiple universities this work is a timely intervention that advocates for first-generation audiences, for readers of color, and for all those vested in the protracted struggle for our fair shot.

Genres: Poetry

135 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2021

Reviews

[Hector · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry works best when it makes you feel seen, particularly for those of us that grew up never knowing why were constantly being subjected to obtuse written whiteness. Gentefication is different in that it normalizes the experiences of young Chicanos navigating a world that has a set expectation for our neighborhoods and outcomes. The moving imagery and words of Gentefication remind the world that we are explorers, we are learners, we are lovers, and we are truth-tellers. If you need Urban Dictionary to understand this gem, reflect for a minute.

[Kristina Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is breathtaking. It’s beyond description by the likes of me. Read it yourself.

[Sean]

López’s collection revolves around a few frequently revisited themes. Trying to build a space for a meshed Spanish-English poetic language amidst hostile academic institutions and gatekeepers. Religion, particularly the challenges of converting to Islam from Christianity. White hegemony in America. Embarking on one’s path in life while managing the complicated emotions of seeing peers make more tragic choices. Some forays into these territories worked better for me than others, as with most poetry collections.

[May-Ling · Rating 3 out of 5]

maybe 3.5 stars - but only from my perspective. i certainly feel like this is a poetry collection for spanish/english bilinguals, as otherwise you'll need to slowly comb through this with translation. i felt lost in that sense. the writing is grounded in east palo alto and the geography here, which i appreciated. some poems really hit for me and others were more of a miss.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antonio Lopez is a deftly powerful, unapologetic poet with a brilliantly piercing outlook. Essential read.

[Melina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My history felt seen, and a lot of unhealed shit bubbled up and burst free with this gem. Fui entendida sin translation, one of a few times that’s happened to me.

[Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

These poems are exactly what I’ve been itching for! Gave me chills ✨

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winner of the Levis Prize in Poetry, this debut collection “modulates between languages, dialects, and registers,” as Pardlo states in his introduction, to portray Lopez’ upbringing in East Palo Alto, his search for spiritual truth, and his experience with racism as a “hopscotcher of the hyphen.”

Favorite Poems:
“Goddess Tonantzin”
“Grading Rubric”
“Source A: ESL”
“Source B: Oral Exam”