Chi’xi
A theoretical framework based within decoloniality studies was proposed by Bolivian sociologist Silvia Rivera Cusicanqui in her book Un mundo Chi’xi es posible (2012). As a pioneer in the field of decoloniality studies within Latin America, the term Chi’xi represents an ideal way of integration between cultures, specifically western and non-western cultures, in the post-colonial modern society we live in today. Chi’xi argues for the ability for multicultural coexistence amongst each other without a need for making the community hybrid/blended. What probably inspired Cusicanqui the most in the development of her theories surrounding Chi’xi is her ethnic background as indigenous Bolivian, specifically Aymara, and Sephardic Jewish. The word Chi’xi is a direct translation of the Aymara word for “gray” and was used in contrast to Spanish giving agency to indigenous communities. What made Cusicanqui so revered was not only her critical awareness in decoloniality, but also her resilience and advocation given the political context of Bolivia immediately after it transitioned from a Dictatorship to a Republic in 1982. In terms of design within Latin America, we can apply this to the discourse surrounding the varied and complex cultural and national identities that may or may or not be apparent.