Author Archives: dalejandre

Spanish Speaking Reprecussions

Posted on by
1

Maria Hinojosa podcast LATINO USA-PERSPECTIVES spoke with poet and writer, Juan Felipe. His technique was unique where he used a smashed up mix of Spanish and English in his poems. His work showed the political awareness and social oppression that he first hand experienced. Juan Felipe was the first Chicano appointed the poet laureate of the United States by the Library of Congress. During his inauguration, he expressed his ‘radical politics’ by writing a corrido about the death of Sandra Bland, a black woman who died in police custody. The irony of his interview is the use of his voice and activism was being recognized, yet as a child, he was “silenced” in school.

Growing up in a farmer household, they spoke Spanish and the first day of school his father dropped him off in front. Immediately as he entered the school he spoke, “I must have asked something in Spanish and I was late… I got spanked for being late and I got spanked for speaking Spanish.” His story reminded me of a couple news reports about a Chicago educator being terminated for punishing English learning students.

Chicago-area teacher who punished students for speaking Spanish resigns in disgrace

The teacher was punishing third-grade students by isolating them from the class. Even though the school is over eighty percent Latino the consequences for speaking Spanish were to sit away from the class on the floor.  The teacher prejudice is exemplified in her treatment to the Spanish speaking students. When in reality, these students are able to fully express themselves speaking their native language versus a newer language. It’s unfortunate that  decades after the Chicanos Movement,”There have been at least five cases in states like Texas, Arizona, Missouri, North Carolina and New Jersey where schools tried to ban Spanish,” there is still prejudice against Latinos. Felipe is the perfect example of perseverance and using his voice to let others understand the cultural oppressions of his community.

Week One Self bio / Introduction

Posted on by
Reply
IMG_0512

Mi Familia

Hey Class,

Sorry for “coming in” late to this course, I am currently a History major and it’s my senior year!!! I’ve taken a ridiculous amount of History classes at SMC prior to transferring to CSUDH and spoke with the Chicano Studies department about the requirements for a Chicano Studies minor. Lo and behold I had fulfilled half of the requirements with prior classes and decided to make it happen. I work and attend school both full-time, as a manager in a boutique in Beverly Hills, yet focused on graduating this Spring, it’s been a decade in the making !!!!!

I have always had an interest in Chicano Studies because I am third-generation Mexican-American on my mother’s side and first generation Mexican-American from my father’s side. My mother was a single parent, working two jobs, raising three children, yet she continuously exposed us to our Mexican culture by taking us to watch theatre performances at East LA theatres.

We were introduced to a local arts program that taught photography and other art at a young age and that outlet allowed us to display our “voices”. The image below was a project my sister did showing what it meant for her to be a Chicana.  Are there any other students who are Mexican-American but from different generations ?

donna-alejandre-01

“Best of Both Worlds” This is my sisters self portrait displaying both her Mexican and American roots dressed in her quince dress standing in front of the American Flag.