'American Dirt': A Conversation About A Controversy

Representation is a tricky thing.

When does a depiction of culture, history and identity become inauthentic? And according to whom?

The controversy surrounding the publication of American Dirt, a novel by Jeanine Cummins, has resulted in a firestorm of controversy: detractors claim the author lacks the credibility to write a story about Mexican immigrants (Cummins claims Puerto Rican heritage by way of a grandmother); those whom support her work say she has written a book with well-researched, real-to-life depictions of those who cross the U.S. border.

The back-and-forth has dominated social media for the last week and a half. Our colleagues at NPR's Latino USA probably have the most extensive and insightful exploration of the facts surrounding the issue.

I asked Alt.Latino contributors Marisa Arbona-Ruiz and Catalina Maria Johnson to weigh in on the discussion from an arts and culture perspective. We also introduce you to future contributor Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, a current NPR Kroc fellow, who joined the conversation.

It's always good to talk things out and that is the aim of this week's show. Let us know what you think. -- Felix Contreras