How did Renowned Mexican author, journalist, critic and political activist Carlos Monsivais die?”
He was known as Mexico’s finest chronicler, its “last public intellectual,” its “conscience,” and as the only literary figure around who was said to be recognized by regular folks on the street. With the death on Saturday of Carlos Monsivais, Mexico lost a voice that for nearly 50 years was considered unrivaled in his ability to cut to the core of the issues and personalities of his day. Mourners, from high-profile politicians to everyday workers, swarmed the writer’s casket at two public wakes over the weekend. People waved, cheered and chanted for the man millions knew simply as “Monsi.” Monsivais was a journalist, a critic, a cinephile, a collector of historical and pop ephemera (which led eventually to the founding of a museum) and a tireless activist for minority rights and the political left. In hundreds of articles and columns, more than two dozen books, countless appearances on television and radio, at conferences and demonstrations, Monsivais represented for many Mexicans an e
Renowned Mexican journalist, critic and political activist Carlos Monsivais died Saturday at 72. Examining his own country like a pop anthropologist, Monsivais chronicled Mexico’s historic upheavals, social trends, and literature for over 50 years. He was also known as a tireless and ubiquitous activist for leftist causes. “He was a chronicler and witness for his era,” President Felipe Calderon’s office said in a statement. “We Mexicans will miss his critical, reflective and independent vision.” He died the day after the death of fellow leftist and Nobel-winning Portuguese novelist Jose Saramago, with whom he once toured Zapatista rebel encampments in southern Chiapas state. “I think he is one of the great minds of Mexico, and an intellectual of the left,” said writer Elena Poniatowska, who was friends with Monsivais since the 1950s. “He knew about everything, politics, poetry, art.” The Health Department said Monsivais died at Mexico City’s National Institute of Medical Science and Nu
