Temper, temper. Well my ignorant compadre, let me brake down a little history in hopes that you take the blindfold off your eyes and connect with your ancestors that is if you are a Chicano.

"The 'chicano' to me us anyone that takes pride and makes a positive contribution to his or her spanish & indiginous culture..."

First of all Chicanismo is an antithesis to Spanish culture. It defied that narrow version of European culture that was imposed on Mexicanos living on this side of the Border who had been truncated form their indigenous histories, languages, identity, culture, ceremony, names, and societies. The term was barrowed from the word Mexica (pronounced Me-shee-kaa) the proper name of the Azteca. Chicano rejected labels imposed by the Federal government such as Hispanic or Latino. Both these terms are rooted in European/ western origins, and fail to acknowledge the indigenous connections of this population to this continent. Not every Latino, Hispanic, or Mexican is Chicano. Chicanismo is a political ideology created to install a sense of identity to a population who had been devastated by 513 years of colonialism, genocide, and oppression and had been stripped of all identity. Chicanismo reclaims our connection to this land. To quote Ignacio M. Garcia, "During the 1960s and '70s, Mexican Americans began to agitate for social and political change. From their diverse activities and agendas there emerged a new political consciousness. Emphasizing race and class within the context of an oppressive society, this militant ethos would become the unifying theme for groups involved in a myriad of causes. Chicanismo, as it came to be known, marked a transformation in the way Mexican Americans thought about themselves, enabling them for the first time to see themselves as a community with a past and a present."

"not this 60's political radical/communist bullshit you babbosos want everyone to conform to."

Once again, it does not matter if we are living in the 60's or the present. The past, present, and future are one. At least that is how are ancestors instructed us to think. If you don’t know your past, you are like a tree with no roots, any wind will knock you down. We must know our history brother, because the struggles that existed in the 60's are still alive today. We are still a people confused in a land materialism and greed. Our schools are still in terrible conditions. Police brutality is still rampant, the prisons are full with Black and Brown people, and we continue to be the minority not only in politics but also in higher education. To be a Chicano is to fight for social justice and to empower your community. Tell me, what are you doing to uplift your community? In addition, Chicanismo has nothing to do with communism, that to is a European ideology. Chicanismo is indigenous.

"I could give a rants ass about fitting that archaic role."

The past is us and will always be us. The connection to Tonantzin and Ometello is the foundation of our struggle.


"You should Stop smoking all that peyote & marijuana and join the 21st century, the sixties are long gone (check the year its 2005). All your role playig and ranting then and now did nothing to help our people."

Once again, your statement shows how little you know of our people. The Huichol of Jalisco and Nayarit utilized peyote. They were the caretakers of this sacred medicine and only utilized in the most respected ceremonies. It was later introduced to the Apache and Arapaho who still use it in what is now called the Native American Church. Spaniards forbid our ceremonies the use of our medicines. We were forced to submit to the Christian church. Fanatical Christian conquistadors use to say the same statements that you just did.

"pinche militant che types. How many more will you guys shoot in cold blood before you figure out ur ideals only work in a book."

Our ideas have worked further than books. The reason these is even Chicano studies programs in schools and universities is due to militant and direct action, especially in the 60's. The reason farm workers are no longer exposed to most toxic pesticides is due to militant action. The reason we have elevated our position in this society is due to that actions of many militant Chicanos and Chicanas through out the years. Now, due to their efforts, you reap the benefits, sit smug and condemn their actions. How stupid of you. I invite you to join the struggle, it is not over, and I doubt that it will ever be. Social justice is an ongoing battle. Yo soy Chicano, yo soy de la tierra, yo soy Tezcatlipoca, y tambien soy Quetzalcoatl. I am you and you are me. Your ancestor call...but can you hear?