The Chicano Social Identity

“La raza! / Méjicano! / Español! / Latino! / Chicano! / Or whatever I call myself / I look the same / I feel the same / I cry / And / Sing the same. / I am the masses of my people and / I refuse to be absorbed. / I am Joaquín” (Gonzales, 1969). These powerful words were taken from Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales’s, poem “I am Joaquin”, which revolutionized the definition of “Chicano” in the late 1900’s. Although many are challenging the traditional definition of Chicano social identity as it was seen during the civil rights movement, it is still valuable and evident in Chicano social identity today.
Before going into detail on the definition of Chicano social identity, what is the definition of social identity? In our second lecture, Professor Romero …show more content…
It is something that keeps Chicano communities strong and the culture alive and strong. However, it has its limitations and weaknesses. Currently, Chicanos are heavily known for their historical and continuous path of struggle and oppression. However, what most history textbooks and Chicanos themselves seem to forget to mention is what involves Mexicans oppressing a different group. Professor Romero’s book, The Chinese in Mexico, is one of the few books that focus on the impact if Chinese living in Mexico. In 1882, The Chinese Exclusion Act was issued in the United States, prohibiting the free immigration of all Chinese Laborers. As a result, thousands of Chinese fled to Mexico where they formed successful businesses and raised their families. More Chinese immigrated to Mexico when the Mexican president attempted to improve foreign ventures. Mexicans blamed the Chinese for ruining the economy and “stealing jobs”. This accusation led to small hate crimes and eventually resulted in the Massacre of Torreon. The massacre occurred from May 13 to May 15th, in the city of Torreon, where a majority of the Chinese resided. The homes of many were looted and burned and the massacre left over 300 dead. After the incident, Chinese officials demanded compensation in which the Mexican president agreed to pay three million pesos; however, this was never received as the president was killed. Today, traditional concepts of Chicano …show more content…
If I had the opportunity to change the traditional definition of Chicano social identity, I would not change it at all. The pride in culture is what makes Chicano social identity so special. There is particularly a “special emphasis upon indigenous heritage” (Lecture: Week One). Much of the art, literature, and dance seen in Chicano communities today are heavily influenced by styles and traditions of the indigenous heritage. The consciousness of Chicanos and Latinos being oppressed and discriminated (Lecture: Week One) is extremely valuable because Chicanos have the ability to recognize how far they’ve come, much they’ve accomplished, and how much more they can accomplish. This goes hand and hand with the commitment to activism, because Chicanos continue to work to improve how society perceives them. The traditional Chicano social identity is what creates such a unique and special community of people and in no way should it be changed. In conclusion, traditional Chicano social identity is still valuable today. The three characteristics of traditional Chicano social identity, cultural pride, consciousness, and commitment to social activism, are evident through the remaining effects of the Caste System and through Chicanas and the Civil Rights Movement. Although Chicanos thrive through the strength of unity and history in their social