Defining and Questioning Tri-Culturalism

Although the concept of tri-culturalism has a long history and often “feels” true, this approach to interpreting the culture of New Mexico is, which increasing frequency, being understood as a myth. Categorizing tri-culturalism as a myth is an important intervention, illuminating the realities that tri-culturalism obscures or ignores. 

Some examples of contemporary critiques of the tri-culturalism ideology include:

• The concept is overly simplistic. It portrays all three groups as co-existing peacefully when the reality is more complex. On the one hand, the history of New Mexico includes colonization, violence, and resource theft.(1) On the other, there are also instances of collaboration, intermarriage, and cultural exchange that characterize  a great deal of New Mexican culture today.
• The myth is also overly simplistic in its portrayal of Indigeneity, collapsing distinct tribal identities into one monolithic entity. It also conflates Spanish and Mexican heritage. 
• The myth is exclusionary. It portrays New Mexico as home to only three cultures and ignores longstanding and important histories of other cultural groups who established communities in the state.(2) It also leaves little room to acknowledge the contributions of newer community members who have moved to New Mexico either by choice or forced migration.
• Additionally, the ideology has historically presented the three identified cultures as a hierarchy, with Anglo-Americans depicted as the leaders of progress, industry, and society at large. Contrastingly, Indigenous peoples and Hispanos are often represented in subservient roles.