The Concept of Chicanismo

Chicanismo was a complex of nationalist strategies by which Chicano origins and

Histories, as well as present and future identities, were constructed and

Legitimized. Furthermore, Chicanismo provided a context for historical

reclamation of the self through the affirmation of Chicano cultural narratives while

resisting Anglo models of assimilation. By the late 1960's, Chicanismo had

become in effect the central strategy in the process of self definition for the

Chicano community. The Chicanos suffered a great deal while trying to make a

Living by working in fields. Farmers have been abusing migrant farm workers for a

very long time, and even though some conditions have improved since the

1930's, they are still treated unfairly. It is extremely difficult for migrant workers to

fight for their right because a lot of the workers are illegal immigrants. In the past,

employers were able to exploit migrant workers. This would make them afraid to

demand a higher pay or go on strike. An article from the San Francisco Chronicle

States that, "in past decades, labor unions often saw immigrant workers as the

enemy, accusing them of depressing wages and In Mexican Americans/

American Mexicans, there are many struggles within Chicano culture. From the

time that Aztecs were conquered; there was conflict between the native people

and the Spaniards. Aside from these conflicts, the "Mexicans" had to fight for

Their land and freedom. They had to continue to fight for their rights as they

started to migrate into the United States.

Once they were in the states their culture was in jeopardy. Many immigrants and

American born Chicanos completely "Americanized" in order to try to fit in,

because they were not welcomed for whom they were.

Chicanos in America has been an important aspect of many Chicano's history

living in America for many generations. Such rebellions have taken the forms of

acting, behaving, driving, dressing "differently" from the members of the white

culture. Rudolph Anaya in "I'm the king: The Macho image" and Martin Espada in

"The Puerto Rican dummy and the merciful son" first explore Chicano rebellion

been as prevalent and destructive as today. The battle for acceptance and self-

affirmation has reached epidemic proportions where scores of the new

generation strives for acceptance through enlistment into the ranks of gangs and

street thugs. In turn, the violence associated with gang activity continues to

reinforce the prevalent stereotypes against Latinos.

The unanimous solution offered by both authors seem to indicate their desire to

see a fresh movement toward the enforcement of family values. The authors try

to establish the new definition of manhood as a form of power and ability to

control the internal rage which can lead to a path of maturity and wisdom. This is

Where they believe that the vicious culturally, the word Chicano, in the past a

pejorative and class-bound adjective, has now become the root idea of a new

Cultural identity for our people. It also reveals a growing solidarity and the

development of a common social praxis. The widespread use of the term

Chicano today signals a rebirth of pride and confidence. Chicanismo simply

embodies and ancient truth: that a person is never closer to his/her true self as

when he/she is close to his/her community. Chicanismo draws its faith and

strength from two main sources: from the just struggle of our people and from an

objective analysis of our community's strategic needs. We recognize that without

a strategic use of education, an education that places value on what we value,

we will not realize our destiny

2.

“I am Joaquin” is a famous epic poem associated with the Chicano movement of

the 1960s in the United States. (the narrative voice of the poem) speaks of the

struggles that the Chicano people have faced in trying to achieve economic

justice and equal rights in the U.S. He promises that his culture will survive if all

Chicano people stand proud and demand acceptance.

He was an influential lider in promoting social and political equality of the 1960’s

and 1970’s Chicano Movement. Seeking for recognition as equal members of

American society. This poetry was intended to inspire Mexican Americans to

become engaged in efforts to improve their condition in the United States.