Chicano Week Flyer - page 2

Defining Chicano

by Jorge Arrendondo

In order to explain the meaning and dynamics of Chicano Week, one must first begin by "defining" or giving a history of the term Chicano. Use of the term Chicano varies depending on which historical period is considered. The term does show a consensus of a long series of designations which peopie of Mexican descent living within the present boundaries of the United States have chosen for themselves.

The term Chicano has been in evidence since the conquest of the indigenous people by the Conquistadores. According to Tino Villanueva, who has written a complete exploration in the prologue of Chicanos:Antologia historica y literaria , the term Chicano's origin in the U.S. referred to newly arrived undocumented Mexican workers. Many were migratory workers moving from job to job in order to stay alive. Thus, Chicanos were classified into an inferior social category by some sectors of society.

Nonetheless, during the civil rights movement of the 1960's, the term Chicano was consciously assumed and aggressively popularized by people who articulated their frustration at what they considered traditional style of politics in the Mexican community. Chicano was given a militant political and indigenous oriented connotation.

That is, the word was associated, and still is, with a new consciousness and pride in being mestizo. The term recognized that their origin of ancestry was in the Americas. Thus, Chicanos are identified with their homeland, Aztlan, the origin of the Aztecs in what is now the Southwest U.S. It became a perfect term to unite a people with common cause during a movement which celebrated a bicultural, bilingual people of Mexican heritage residing in the U.S.

I agree with Texas artist Santos Martinez, Jr., who believes that "a Chicano is a Mexican American involved in a socio-polltical struggle to create a relevant, contemporary and revolutionary consciousness as a means of accelerating social change and actualizing an autonomous cultural reality among other Americans of Mexican descent." In In the era between the mid 60s to 1970s, the word Chicano served to unify the movement nationally. It was used interchangeably with La Raza , or the peopie, on a social level.

Today, the term is most frequently used when it refers to community activists, artist and/or university students and professors active in Chicano studies programs. However, aside from recognizing knowledge of a long history and rich culture, the term is beginning to be used by students to present an aware frame of mind; a state of consciousness that questions many assumptions in our society (i.e., English-only policies in school systems). Its use is a reaftirmation of the desire to seek ultimate responsibility and true freedom for the individual and advancement of the community. In addition, Chicano is used today as an overtly act to associate with the working class people's concern.

Although use of the term remains controversial, what is important is to understand the mentality behind the people who actively use the word Chicano. If one understands their true reasons, without confining or limiting them, or dismissing them, but rather respecting and recognizing their courage for their active engagement for social as well as individual change, then one gains an appreciation for the term Chicano.

With this explanation, Chicano Week is an excellent opportunity for Chicanos to rediscover their past, take control of their present and thus their future existence. Furthermore, I encourage students to become aware of the past issues, as well as the contemporary issues that face the Chicano community.

By bringing together educational, informative and entertaining events to the University of Houston campus, Chicano Week serves a valuable purpose in helping students of diverse backgrounds understand the Chicano experience. Viva La Raza... C/S.

Originally posted Saturday, November 22 2003 @ 11:08 PM UTC