Misogynistic and Sexist Attitudes in the Writings of Oscar Zeta Acosta Introduction Oscar Zeta Acosta (AKA, the Brown Buffalo) writes with distinctive style and flamboyance. Although much of his writing is somewhat shocking, it is also refreshingly raw and expressive. However, although Brown writes with candor, the subtext of misogamy and overt sexism is disturbing, especially in light of his role as an activist. Brown was instrumental in the Chicano Movement, yet his treatment of Chicanas is chauvinist and dismissive. There is a complete lack of recognition for any feminine contributions to the Chicano Movement cause. Women are reduced to clichéd caricature and pop culture symbolic representations. For example, Gloria Chavez, during the …show more content…
An analysis of the writings of Oscar Zeta Acosta’s reveals a tormented individual, plagued by massive insecurities and self-doubt, wrapped in a persona of bravado and swagger. Attack of the Cockroach People overflows with sexist and hyper-sexualized depictions of women. It will be essential to explore the Latin culture and its emphasis on machismo in order to understand Acosta in that context. This paper will address that concern at a later time. The Chicano Movement The Chicano Movement formation was in response to the 1960’s Civil Rights struggle for freedom from oppression and discrimination for minorities. The ideology of the Chicano Movement of the 1960’s was equally guilty in ignoring the participation of Chicanas – although many women were active in the movement, they were most often relegated to secretarial or kitchen duties. Acosta became involved with the Chicano Militants in the late 1960’s and represented underprivileged Mexicans and Mexican Americans fighting against racial discrimination. As an attorney, Acosta is famous for his radical and revolutionary