In order to write this book, the author clearly uses different manuscripts and papers that helped him to explain and show the situation of this social movement. He also uses and gets information from people that were living those situations, for instance in Chapter one, he mentions a note from Journalist Ruiz Ibañez: “Contrary to the common belief that those groups are composed of “punks” and hoodlums….”1. Related to him, he is an American historian and sociology that obtained his sociology and political science degrees in the University of Texas at Austin and Yale University, as well. Currently, he is a professor of Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley and he is president of the Center for Latino Policy Research. He wrote not only Quixote’s Soldiers but also, Anglos and Mexicans in the Making of Texas, 1836-1986.
During the Chicano Nationalist Movement, a well-known speaker, Rodolfo ‘Corky’ Gonzales, delivered a speech titled Chicano Nationalism: Victory for La Raza. In this speech, Rodolfo Gonzales tries to unify the Latin American people within the United States by using the idea of a family and to create a new political organization for the Chicano people. This speech was a cumulation of various ideas which stemmed from his own life, the experiences of the Chicano people, and the Chicano Nationalist Movement in general. Each of these factors contributed to the context of the speech and how the ideas within the speech are presented by Rodolfo Gonzales. Rodolfo ‘Corky’ Gonzales was born to Federico and Indalesia Gonzales, two Mexican immigrants, on June 18, 1928.
All of these events, demonstrated collective action, Chicanos working together to enhance their status in this country and stop the mistreatment. This image also demonstrates resilience. By seeing the strength of the community that I come from, made me feel empowered. Chicano have a history of survival and resistance. One good example of resilience is an image that was taken during La Marcha por La Justicia at Belvedere Park, on January 31, 1971.
This is because the movement itself began as a search for identity in a nation where Chicanos where once classified as White, but never received any of the rights associated with it and where later reclassified as Hispanic. It is also because what was once considered Mexican culture is no more as it has been taken, manipulated, and killed by the Anglos in their conquest. In “I am Joaquin” we see this concept throughout the work in a variety of forms that range from what Mexicans are to the concept of being Chicano. One major example of the search for Identity in the work is shown in the beginning with the paradox question where many young Chicanos are forced to choose between cultural life in poverty or stability at the price of their culture. Basically it states that they must choose between embracing their heritage at the cost of stability or to reject it and conform to the Anglo world and have a chance to be successful.
“Aztlan, Cibola and Frontier New Spain” is a chapter in Between the Conquests written by John R. Chavez. In this chapter Chavez states how Chicano and other indigenous American ancestors had migrated and how the migration help form an important part of the Chicanos image of themselves as a natives of the south. “The Racial Politics behind the Settlement of New Mexico” is the second chapter by Martha Menchaca.
“Translation Nation” In the book, Translation Nation, Hector Tobar shows us the hard experiences that Latino immigrants face in the U.S. while pursuing the American Dream. Tobar traveled through some cities in this country visiting individuals and communities to gather those experiences. Through the stories of many people, including himself as son of Guatemalan immigrants, he allows us to see situations as for example, racisms, bad job conditions, and poverty among this ethnic group. The difficulties that Latino Immigrant face, as for example, the case of a group of neighbors in Maywood, California who were mocked because their accent when speaking English reminds me of similar situations that I have also face as an immigrant from México.
Chicano Spanish is the result of this, a language developed by the people of the border because they needed one to connect to their identity. “Chicano Spanish is not incorrect,” Anzaldua explains, “it is a living language” (Anzaldua 77). The different languages that are included in Borderlands are the organs that make up the Chicano language. The use of them in the text provides a richer cultural context for readers to help them understand what the Chicano voice is comprised
During the 1960s in America, amid demands for civil rights and social justice, the Chicano Movement emerged as a powerful force advocating for the rights and empowerment of Mexican American communities. The Chicano Movement, led by activists from the United States Southwest, aims to confront institutional injustice, recover cultural heritage, and demand equitable representation for Chicanos in all parts of society. This grassroots movement, founded on the historical legacies of colonization and oppression, inspired people from various backgrounds to come together to express solidarity against institutionalized racism and marginalization. Within this dynamic socio-political context, Ramon A. Gutierrez's work, "Community, Patriarchy, and Individualism:
Through this intersectional approach, the manifesto acknowledges the complex and multifaceted nature of oppression, rejecting simplistic narratives that seek to divide and categorize individuals based on arbitrary distinctions. By fostering solidarity across diverse communities and identities, "Plan Espiritual de Aztlán" lays the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable society where all individuals can thrive free from the shackles of systemic oppression. In addition to advocating for political and economic liberation, "Plan Espiritual de Aztlán" emphasizes the importance of cultural revitalization as a form of resistance against oppressors. Gonzalez's vision extends beyond mere political autonomy; it encompasses the preservation and celebration of Chicano culture as a potent tool for empowerment and self-expression. Through the promotion of Chicano art, literature, and language, "Plan Espiritual de Aztlán" seeks to cultivate a vibrant cultural landscape that serves as both a testament to resilience and a vehicle for
When the Spanish landed in the Latin Americans in the early 1500’s, they found a land ripe for the taking, and people to impose their ways of living on. Because they were technologically superior, the Spanish were able to impose their will on the natives with ease, and the violence that ensued would have long lasting effects in Latin society. The Spanish led by Hernando Cortes faced the native Mexicans led by Moctezoma in a battle over whose state would control the land. Although they were greatly outnumbered, the Spanish committed brutal atrocities and deceiving tactics that eventually led to the fall of the city of Tenochtitlan. The film demonstrates this complicated ordeal in a microcosmic, dramatic way.
The traditional Chicano social identity also fails to acknowledge the importance of women in the movement, as well as in the dynamics of life itself; as it is male dominated as portrayed in the poem “I Am Joaquin.” Ultimately, the exclusiveness of the Chicano social identity is illustrated in the hovering of other latino communities under this identity, as it doesn’t take into consideration the need to accept difference, in order to provide the space these communities need; as they lack the visibility and strength the Chicano social identity
Rodolfo Corky Gonzales wrote a poem on the Chicano identity in 1967 called “I am Joaquim” which was focused on the male experience 7. It included Chicano folk heroes, historical figures and religious icons and the poem continues to be a central expression of the Chicano identity with its message of hope. It pushes to stand proud and continue to resist the assimilation process and conformity with the Anglo American culture. Despite the poem’s centrality to the Chicanx movement, like the Chicano Civil Rights Movement was largely a male expression of Chicanx history, culture and activism. This poem, however, neglects the vital roles and contributions women held and neglects the Chicana mythology in the arts, community and historical resistance 8.
Men within the Chicano community felt that they were done a social injustice by “white” citizens. Moreover, women who were “white” felt that they were done an injustice by white males. The contradiction of the border, stated in the preface, is due in part to the Chicano community believing that they were better than the “white” community. Furthermore, the men of the Chicano community had done a gender injustice to the
The sheer dedication to put one’s own life up as a barricade for something they believed in, against political ideals and strongholds, was a testament to the beginning of self-preservation. After the motivation from Salvador Torres, Chicano Park was transformed into a museum of about forty murals painted on twenty-four concrete pillars telling a story of pre-Columbian gods, myths and depicting images of legendary Mexican icons. The murals painted on the pylons when visited, give you a firsthand connection to the struggles of colonial and revolutionary times that Mexican people endured. It also shows spiritual reaffirmation through arts and bicultural duality when searching for an indigenous self (Rosen). Murals of cultural heoroes and heroines such as Cesar Chavez, Pancho Villa, Che Guevara, La Adelita and Emiliano Zapata invoke leadership and unity.
Large portions of group’s made up by minorities with a wide range of ethnicities started to arise by help of the civil rights movement from the early 1950’s through the 1990’s. These different type of groups advocated for appropriate education, uniform pay rates, to cease racism, and parallel rights for all citizens. The group of minorities brought attention to their problematic issues by participating in marches, protest and boycotts. For example, during March 1968 in East Los Angeles Chicano students protested for suitable educational facilities, the deficiencies in proper school supplies, and curriculum change to include Chicano history and culture. Another instance on how groups formulated by minorities obtained the public attention for
