Malinchism is a social phenomenon, distinctive of Latin America, which generates an internalisation of valuation patterns characterised by denying and underestimating local cultural expressions and considering foreign cultures as models of emulation. I defend malinchism can be understood as a social pathology, concept that I define as the imposition of a type of practical rationality on a social space alien to it. I also propose that malinchism is such a complex social phenomenon that it can be explained as a pathology of recognition as well, and it involves personal alienation in the ones affected. The introduction of cognitive dissonance is presented as one of the main resources to counteract the effects of malinchism.