The 1960’s was a tumultuous decade in American history, fraught with conflicts over issues from Civil Rights to the war in Vietnam. The Chicano Movement, which was in full effect in the 60’s, was one of the least studied social movements. Issues varied from restoration of land grants, to farm workers rights, better wages, enhanced education, voting, and political rights. The Chicano Movement was not one homogenous struggle, meaning one struggle for the people of Chicano descent. There were many different movements in search of a social change. Protests were already in full affect during the 60’s, and everyone wanted to get their voices heard. I will talk about Chicano political power, United Farm Workers Movement and educational goals.
Chicanos became aware of what was going on through the popularity of television, which was at the peak in distribution in American homes. The Television showed them things about their surroundings, nation and made them aware of different situations. Television showed struggles not only for their people, but also for all people in the community or nation. Every society who wanted to be heard could now do so through the new intervention of television.
In some cities, half or sometimes more than half were of Mexican American and or Chicano descent. With this being a fact at this time the Chicanos in those cities had no political power or voice. The system was set up so that a Chicano person could not acquire the political power they deserved. Chicanos realized this and started to voice their political opinions. The political goal was to increase the number of Chicano candidates and or convince the non – Chicano candidates to commit themselves to the Mexican American community. This goal became possible with the La Raza Unida Party, which was a party by Chicanos for Chicanos. La Raza Unida Party was important because Chicanos had a party they could identify with. As the La Raza Unida Party grew some of their goals started to flow. More Chicanos registered to vote, more community drives supported Chicano candidates and most of all more Chicanos took a stand in the government. This is important because the increase in Chicano elected and appointed officials reflected the growing Chicano political presence.
Politics were on the rise among Chicanos, but what about the economic struggle? Farm workers at this time were predominately Mexican Americans. Most of the farm workers were uneducated and had no opportunity to excel themselves in better jobs or careers. In 1962 Cesar Chavez committed himself to improve better wages, conditions, education, and health care benefits for farm workers. He started the NFWA (National Farm Workers Association) for economical change. In 1965 Cesar Chavez had 1200 members who joined him in an AFL – CIO sponsored union in a strike against major Delano area table and wine grape growers. The boycott accumulated millions of supporters and lasted for five years. In 1966 he formed the UFW (United Farm Workers) and it became affiliated with AFL – CIO. The UFW showed strength through non – violence and reinforced their non – violent boycott through a twenty-five day fast. It took years for most of the growers to come to a change that was acceptable to the farm workers. I admired the UFW movement because it represented the strength and endurance of Chicano people.
Education was also a significant aspect of the Chicano Movement. Many movements fought for better education. A case that excelled to open the doors to educational goals and equal opportunities was the Mendez v. Westminster case of 1946. Mendez v. Westminster argued that segregation violated constitutional right of Mexican children guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. It resulted in banning separate Chicano schools in California. The Mendez v. Westminster trail was a start among other educational goals. Some of the educational goals were reduction of school drop – out rates, improvement of educational attainment, development of bilingual – bicultural programs, expansion of higher education fellowships and support services, creation of courses and programs in Chicano studies, and an increase in the number of Chicano teachers and administrators. Chicanos were strong and courageous in their fight for better education. Teenagers took matter in their own hands. The Brown Berets not only protested educational neglect, but also protested against police brutality. This was successful because it had strong links to the community and local East Los Angeles High School students who were determined. East Los Angeles High School students also showed their determination when the “ELA blowouts” occurred. The students walked out and protested to the school board about better educational necessities. This was important because not only did they let the school board know how serious they were they also showed the community.
Is the Chicano Movement a homogenous struggle for socio – political and economic rights? In my opinion the answer to this question is “no”. The Chicano Movement did not fight for one struggle but for all the struggles their people faced. It fought for political power, better wages, health care and education. I am not limiting these characteristics to Chicano society, but to every society. These characteristics or vital for all humans on earth.
Though the Chicano people have overcome many obstacles, not all have been solved. Even today these individuals struggle for rights and respect that in such modern days has still not been obtained. Hopefully one day the movements and efforts we use(d) for social change will fully be triumphant, not only for Chicanos, but for all people of color.
A History of Mexican Americans in California: The Chicano Movement. 17 Nov. 2004. Park Net National Park Service. 9 Sept. 2007. http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/5views/5views5e.htm>
