About my Blood:

One of the aspects that it touches is how the shame is ingrained in language. The particular examination of one Spanish word and its use in relation to hot flashes is a good prompt to start a conversation that reflects on how some aspects of common daily language is shaped by gendered views. From there, students can reflect on the language they use daily and explore whether it contains discriminatory expressions with respect to age or gender, for example. They can choose one or two words and look for their original meaning and explore and document how it has been distorted by use. Just finding those words is a powerful exercise in critical reflection. The film also makes a connection between discriminatory ideas about menopause and the views on older and ageing women during the witch hunts in Europe. This is a good way to talk about historical and cultural continuities of contemporary issues. «De mi sangre» also highlights the importance of community in challenging ageism, sexism, or any other type of discrimination. This can be used to encourage students to reflect and discuss about the significance of community for their own lives and society. They could work in groups to brainstorm ways to promote more inclusive communities within their own social environments. Alternatively, they could produce creative works such as podcasts, short films, or reels that address discriminatory practices or, rather, celebrate inclusion in their communities.