Reclaiming art can be a powerful tool used by people who have been exploited or outcasted by society.

Gauchesque literature is an important part of Argentine literature as it explores the first rebels. Literature is a form of art that can highlight societal norms and personality types. Gauchos are seen as courageous and independent, however, they also participate in some stereotypical machismo behavior and have been exploited by the government (Britannica, 2013). Don Segundo Sombra, written by Ricardo Güiraldes, is a powerful coming of age journey for Fabio. Fabio feels trapped inside his life and craves the identity associated with being a gaucho. He admired Don Segundo because he “cherished his freedom” (pg 62) and wanted to be free from the labels that he had been given as a child, such as orphan and troublemaker. Throughout the novel, Fabio reclaims his identity from a guacho (orphan) to a gaucho. Reclaiming who he is allows him to feel at peace with solidarity and free from the labels that society had placed upon him. Fabio’s coming of age story is an artistic depiction of a cornerstone of Argentine literature and culture. 
I think it is interesting how many gaucho novels discuss the concept of self and the importance of one’s identity seeing that many gaucho novels are incredibly patriarchal and sexist. Oftentimes, women are seen as nothing but tools for male sexual pleasure. Fabio is even “confused by her [Aurora’s] resistance” (pg 35) when he rapes her. That is why The Adventures of China Iron by Gabriela Cabezón Cámara is a work of art, as it carefully deconstructs the idea of womanhood in gaucho literature. Gabriela Cabezón Cámara exposes how identity and womanhood are often painted as negative identity traits in classic literature. Cámara breaks this mold by reclaiming relationships and female pleasure. In the novel, characters are seen having an orgy (pg 129) and taking part in queer relationships. It is interesting that Gabriela Cabezón Cámara chooses to break down these stereotypes in gauchesque literature seeing that this genre is important to Argentine culture. It was a risky move for her to dismantle something that is such a cornerstone in Argentine society (Argentine Literary Authors, 2023). Many gaucho novels are viewed as sacred classics, and some individuals have an issue with pointing out how they can perpetuate harmful patriarchal viewpoints (Britannica, 2013). In my opinion, one can still appreciate novels as works of art while viewing them with a critical lens.
Hopefully, in the future, The Adventures of China Iron will be taught in schools similar to how Don Segundo Sombra is taught. Reclaiming how classic literature is explored in a school setting can allow more people to feel connected with literature. If people see books that do not represent them or perpetuate harmful stereotypes, they may not be drawn to learn more. Highlighting flaws with certain classics can allow students and teachers to reclaim their education and give them context to make conclusions about the material that is being taught. 
In my own life, I have reclaimed my identity as a queer woman. I grew up in a rather religious household, and being LGBTQ+ was frowned upon by the community I grew up in. I remember being ashamed of my identity as a child and afraid to share this part of myself with others. Queer was a word that by definition means “odd’ (Merriam-Webster, 2023). However, many people in the LGBTQ+ community have taken this word and used it as a personal or community identifier. With time, I learned to cherish my queer identity and embrace myself despite my hometown community viewing me as “odd”. As a queer woman, I choose to wear earrings with the same color as the lesbian pride flag. In the queer community, it is common to use art to signal community membership to others (Wolowic, 2017). Wearing this art allows me to feel a greater sense of community when I am walking around in public and getting compliments on them. I take pride in a word that has historically been used to hurt me. Just as Gabriela Cabezón Cámara reframed a genre that had historically discluded women and LGBTQ+ people, the queer community has reframed a word that has been used to exclude them. Reclaiming art of all types is an important step in acknowledging the past while moving forwards toward the future.