Poem Analysis: I Am Joaquin/Yo Soy Joaquin

The three readings for this week really contextualized the start of the Chicano Movement as they presented community organizing, history, and emotions of the Chicano people at that time. The first reading, “El Plan Espiritual de Aztlan,” outlined a plan for Chicanos to unite under La Raza and take back their identity. It creates a structure for liberation and outlines goals under the concept of nationalism in order to bring the people back to their roots as a people who have not been under the control of European nations. It is because of European colonialism that the Chicanos do not have control over their own identities, as it has been exploited by the Europeans and Americans for so long. El Plan empowers the Chicano people to take back their land, culture, economy, and …show more content…
It reflects the violent narrative that is their history, and it emphasizes the resilience of Chicano ancestors as they were able to keep their identity and culture alive. Despite the fact that many people and countries have tried so hard to erase and destroy Chicanos for such a long time, their existence today allows for them to understand that they are strong enough to go on and fight back. The poem’s author, Rodolfo Gonzales, utilizes history as a way for the younger generation of Mexican Americans to recognize the injustices done against them and fight against it. My favorite part is that Gonzales was able to merge Mexican history into the name Joaquin, using it as a common identity that reflects so much history. In doing so, he empowers the next generation of Chicano leaders to take back their culture and own it so that their identities and bodies may not be exploited again. It works with the last reading in moving forward from the struggles and violence of the