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The episode, Cesar Chavez reading, and the pages from the Acuña book complemented themselves enough to make me feel like I lived during that time period starting back in 1965. I can now understand why the Chicanos felt mistreated and that they were willing to fight in order to have the same opportunities. The Bracero Program began back in 1942 and I believe that it has been one of the ugliest events in human history along with others. The farm workers would get paid an extremely low amount of money. Many farm workers or braceros back in that time, say how much they suffered by working tough shifts of twelve hours a day and sometimes getting as low as seven cents per week. These checks with low amounts were “possible” because the “majordomos” subtracted the food, clothes, and their spot in the corral from their work. The “huelgas” that leaded by Cesar Chavez was what gave the farm workers a little bit of hope to make their situation change. It is important for programs to actually meet the needs of the people. As mentioned in the textbook, “we who are farm workers have all been insulted . We have seen ourselves treated like cattle, we have seen how they have taken the work of our hands and bodies and made themselves rich, while we are left with empty hands between the earth and the sky.” I find this quote deep because farm workers were treated extremely bad and Americans never really gave them their rights. What really grabbed my attention on the pages assigned from the Acuña book, was the immigration act of 1965. It is very interesting how this act was able to open the country to other races and ethnic peoples. This made Mexico the principal source of Latin American immigration. With all of the years that these people had suffered, this response was expected, especially since Cesar Chavez began the Chicano movement which gave a lot of hope to its people with the pilgrimages that he lead for almost a month across different towns. (347)
ReplyDeleteBruno Morales
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ReplyDeleteAs I was seen the documental of Cesar Chavez I felt sad and Identify because my dad’s family pass through that. Seen how hard the Mexicans work during the year of 1965, and how fed up they where been bad treatment and poor leaving conditions, it got to the point that they began to walk in the streets of California fields and refuse to pick up grapes all this been led by Cesar Chavez, so this led a new way for Chicanos. Moreover, in September of the year 1965, they demanded a better way just like the U.S a better education for their children, a decent housing for their families so they won’t fear. Now in the reading of Acuña, I also saw that farmers where mistreated and insulted. This topic gets me intense because I see how thanks to Mexicans fighting their rights could open the country to other races and ethnic people specially Asians. This improved condition in western Europe made the United States less of an attraction to Europe peoples. And all thanks to Cesar Chaves that began the Chicano movement which gave people more security to speak up and fight for what they want
ReplyDelete( Maria Leal)
Watching the Chicano! Episode was very different and surprising than I expected. Seeing what our people went through as farmers was heartbreaking. It was eye opening to see that they were mistreated and didn't have the same equality and rights as the other people did. Something that caught my attention was that they looked up to and had a strong belief in the Virgin Mary. They would go follow the Catholic religion. It made me think about how our culture is now. To this day, that strong belief continues. For example, in my grandmothers' household and other aunts that I have, even in mine, we have this little area where there's a picture of the Virgin Mary that has a table with a candle, pictures of our loved ones and roses. It's interesting how that has not changed and has kept getting strong throughout the generations. Even more now at how it started. Besides religion, Cesar Chavez was another person who the Farmers looked up too. Cesar Chavez led the National Farm Workers Association walk. They asked for help and people join their walk for support of the farmers. To me Cesar Chavez was some important to the farmers just how Martin Luther King was important to the African Americans fighting and striking for equality and rights.
ReplyDeleteYarazeth Ramirez
The Chavez-Acuna readings and episode 2 all correlated with each other helping me get a much better understanding of the movements created back in the 1900's, and how they counteracted each other. It also assisted my comprehension in the mistreatment Mexican farm workers and how they were still courageous enough to fight for their equality through peaceful protesting. The 1942 Bracero program was initiated because of farm labor shortages cause by American entry in World War ll, which brought many Mexican workers to replace American ones dislocated by the war. This allowed Mexican immigrants to enter the U.S on a temporary basis only to find out how underpaid they were. During the mid-1960’s the intensity of African American struggles forced Washington to pay attention to the demands on blacks. They rebelled in 3 different areas such as Watts, New Jersey, and Detroit killing an estimate of 104 people and leaving major city damage. By this time in 1964, the Bracero program came to an end which strengthened the National Farm Worker Association unions position. The boycott of buying Schenley products & Di Giorgio grapes was perhaps one of the most effective strategies in 1966. This led to Schenley signing a contract with the union, meanwhile Giorgio tried to oppose them inviting teamsters to compete with and thus break NFWA. By 1970, many farm workers refused to abide by teamster’s contracts and 5,000 workers walked off the fields launching a campaign of violence. By spring 1971, after Chavez was released from jail, the teamsters had finally signed an agreement that gave the United Farm Workers Organization Committee (UFWOC) sole jurisdiction.
ReplyDeleteAdrian Martinez
The passage in Acuna's book about the Immigration Act really amazed. These readings and films convey many of America's racist hypocrisies toward the Mexican- Americans in the 1960's that we unfortunately still face today. While Cesar Chavez showed us the struggle of the Farm worker,he also showed us with his strikes how important they are to America. While the Government made the Bracero Program, and have no problem exploiting the hard working Mexican American, they have a problem with letting them stay here to make another life for themselves. Immigrants have always had the short end of the stick, and they have never complained once. Despite always being handed the short end of the stick, they are grateful for everything. It is very sad to see Mexico treating them so terribly that they have no choice but to come to America, where whites, farmers, and coyotes treat them just as horribly. When the Bracero Program ended at the end of 1964, that was just a small victory to a huge group of people. Without the migrant farm workers, America would truly be nowhere. Whites are complaining that they take jobs, but no whites are willing to take the back breaking work of the Farm Worker. Being Paid $2 a week to pick fruits in the blistering heat is not even something I wish on my worst enemy, and the fact that things like this still go on really hurt my heart. Not only as a Mexican American, but as a person in general. The Farm Workers deserve more.
ReplyDeleteMichael Gonzalez
When a society becomes marginalized by its government it becomes clear that something should be done to make their voices heard. Living as a third-world citizen in a thriving industrialized country in which you contribute economically, should be an indicator on how that countries’ social inequalities are profoundly flawed. Working under the hot sun, earning meagre wages and living in deplorable conditions; farmers realized their basic human rights were not being addressed. The social exclusion that the farm workers went through was more than enough to have them start a movement. As César Chávez mentioned in one of the passages, the Mexican American farmer was tired of being insulted, and having their children be insulted, dignity was more important than money. Human dignity is inherent to every human being, it is an inalienable right. It was admirable to read that this small group of farmers, in which no one had much esteem for, stood up to large powerful corporations and even the unjust government. Chávez was a great leader for the movimiento, considering philosophies from Gandhi and MalcomX he was able to construe them into his own political cause. He was well aware that before having an organization, the people should be organized, “you organize for power so that you can get something.” This was a smart tactic on his behalf, so that the union could be respected and taken seriously. Of course this was much more than just a farmers’ union, César Chávez along with other activist made it into a civil rights movement. (255)
ReplyDelete-Victor D. Gaytan
I had heard a lot of stories from the movement that had happened in the fields from my parents, books and news while I was growing up, but I didn’t know everything in detail or little fun facts that I got to see in the video and other readings. When a person goes on strike, they are risking their job but most importantly they are speaking out for themselves and for others who are going thru the same, if not similar situation. It is something that they believe in and they know needs a change because of the injustice that it is for them. Having to work under the sun for large amounts of hours with terrible heat and barely making ends meet? That sounds like something that needs to be changed because these people are working hard for (…) pay when there is no one else willing to work that many hours for almost $2 a day so that the crops can be sold in markets for far more money and companies can keep exploiting their workers. These workers had to have to courage and bravery to put everything in jeopardy, their jobs, their families, themselves since some of them could have been deported back to Mexico. Cesar Chavez was a brilliant smart man because he helped these people earn what they deserved and make others respect their rights. I didn’t know that Robert Kennedy was by Cesar Chavez’s side, I had heard that one of the reasons why Kennedy was killed was because he cared for the votes of the minority groups and often wanted to help them if he became president. The march was very well administered and leaded by because César was able to show his followers that violence is not the answer just like Martin Luther king and Ghandi did. after all the sacrifices and risks that everyone went through, their voices were finally heard and people gave them the rights and values that they deserved for all of their hard work they put into to pick the food that we eat everyday without giving them credit for.
ReplyDeleteAshley Escalante
As I watched “Chicano! The Struggle in the Fields” and reading my readings on Cesar Chavez, I was extremely informed with information from a long time ago. I honestly never really knew or understood much about Cesar Chavez until now. It’s incredible and sad what Chicanos had to go through. The video and readings all correlated with each other and I really enjoyed that because it just meant a little more information was being provided which I was curious to learn. Farmers put a lot of effort in creating a national labor union however leading them was none other than Cesar Chavez. It really bothered me to know that us Mexicans were treated very bad and how no one looked at us as important. This issue still occurs today and it’s unfortunate that it may never change. Cesar Chavez wanted this change and he wanted to prove a point. Chavez lead his farmers on a strike against California grape growers in 1965, demanding better working conditions and fair wages. The thing with us Mexicans is that we never go down without a fight and the fact that no matter how bad they were being mistreated, they were still courageous enough to fight till they received the equality they deserved. These farmers were working in extremely hot weather and barely making enough to survive. They would receive at least $2 a day which is crazy. Cesar Chavez was a smart brave man who fought for what he believed is right. He was a great union leader and labor organizer who dedicated his life to improve the treatment, pay, and working conditions for farmers. Chavez faced many challenges but he did not let them stop him from accomplishing what he wanted to do. He put his farmers before him and I greatly respect that. Cesar Chavez is forever a historic figure in Mexican-American history.
ReplyDeleteMichael Garcia
After watching the film Chicano! Episode: “The Struggle in the Fields” left me with positive thoughts, this film made me realize how this movement led by Caesar Chavez could unify a minority group to have such an important impact at that time. Often farm workers suffered exploitation from growing companies, which made me understand the cause of these movement, these people were also humans, and humans want to succeed in life, but since not having opportunities and getting paid miseries “la huelga” emerged to increase pay wage eventually fighting human rights. I think Chavez was a well-organized, smart and unique person, by reading his letter to the “peregrinacion”, also from the interview, I can see that Chavez was not doing this to be remembered or compared with other movement leaders, he wanted to make this, to provoke a change in the farmworker’s life by being treated with respect and dignity in other people’s eyes. Dolores Huerta broke all the stereotypes that surrounds women in Mexican culture by being a leader instead of an activist as it says in the reading, although she is not well remembered as Chavez, this woman is an example to other women who choose to make their own life instead of depending upon others, I think if we had more people like Huerta we would have better leaders.
ReplyDeleteLuis Reyna
After watching “Chicano! The Struggle in the Fields” and reading the Cesar Chavez readings, it helped me capture the moments that happened not too long ago. Cesar Chavez had always been brought up; how he is an important aspect in the Hispanic society, but I never knew why. With help from the readings and the episode, it makes me sad and proud. Sad because many of the farmers were mistreated. Having to work in the blazing sun from sunrise to sundown for very little pay ($2 to be exact). Someone had to put an end to it. It wasn’t so easy just going on strike. It was a big risk for the farmers because could’ve lost it all and even end up in Mexico. Thanks to Cesar Chavez, he made it understanding to take the risk. He led the farmers on strike to bring justice into the labor work. It was crucial to get understanding hours, and an understanding pay rate. I’m a proud Hispanic and I am proud that Cesar Chavez brought this to an end for the farm workers. Why? Because both my parents have worked in that and if it wasn’t for Chavez, my parents wouldn’t be where they are now today.
ReplyDeleteGiselle Sanchez
While viewing the film “Chicanos! - Struggle in the Fields” I could really relate to their situation. Hearing a women that she would get $2 working the whole day and didn’t want her child to work at a young age like her made me sad because I remember my parents talking to my brothers and me about us having the opportunity of going to school the same opportunity that they wish they could have had when they were younger. My parents worked from the age of 12 in the fields, they used to get approximately 1.50 pesos for each box of tomatoes they would gather or when they would work picking up cotton they would get 20 U.S. cents for each bag they fill. The fact that field worker would gather to do a “Huelga” (strike) fighting for what they believe and they would show it the help of art they would show what they felt and they are going to fight about and it makes me proud because of them further generation could see what they felt what they did to have more respect. Also so that would have more right so they could have a better salaries, I know that it wasn’t much of a progress but it was the first step. Know in days immigrant workers are still struggling and I know because my dad is still a field worker. He tells me that the condition that they work are still bad, that the equipment that they use its in really bad conditions.
ReplyDelete-Mayra Saldaña
Based on what I learned from the Cesar Chavez-Acuna readings, and the film, I cannot imagine how would be the life of farm workers nowadays. People working in the fields by the 1960’s were treated like they were simple things, they did not receive the credit they deserved, and they were called “stupid people” because they have no education. But, they had not an option, low wages were not enough to buy food and attend school. When you are treated bad, you will get tired someday, that’s what happened in California. Leading by Cesar Chaves, farm workers started to make strikes on the fields, but that wasn’t enough, if you are going to fight against people with power and money, you will need all the support possible, so Cesar Chaves took the strikes to the American people asking them for not buying grapes anymore. I think this was a great idea because it caught the attention of the Government which made a possible solution to this conflict between farm workers and growers. I really believe that people with the same objective and with the desire to improve can make things change. Actually, the street where I live its name is “Cesar Chavez”, I had no idea who was this man until now, so now I can say other what this man did, and I think we should be proud of his effort because nowadays without his work maybe we cannot be able to enjoy farm products.’
ReplyDeleteMissael Salinas
Throughout Acuna’s and Chavez readings I did feel disappointment with myself because I never really knew much about the Chicano movement, therefore, I am grateful for being able to learn about this unity for equality and a protest toward better treatment of farm workers. In 1965 Mexican American farm workers were fed up with the treatment they were disposed upon by their employers. They had inhumane treatment and had poor working conditions. The Chicano Movement rose and made a statement that they were tired of being wrongfully treated and decided to demand for change. What I felt inspired by was that the Mexican Americans did not want to stand by and be taken advantage of any longer. So, on September 19, 1965 Mexican American farm workers walked off the fields and refused to pick grapes at many of the California vineyards. They were demanding that they be treated as equals to the rest of the Americans. Honestly before reading and watching the episode, I knew few about Cesar Chavez and I have learned much about his strength and leadership. Cesar Chavez was a grand speaker for those that felt they could not be heard. He held his ground for not only himself but especially for the people of movement. He continually made statements of protest from making the pilgrimage starting from Delano and marching to Sacramento, to refusing to eat to emphasize his belief on non-violent protest. When my mother came to United States her and her family did go and work in the fields for many years and throughout the episode, I could not help but think of my mother. I feel an intense respect for those who decided to march and be a part of the peregrinacion. If it were not for those workers who stood with Cesar Chavez, the working conditions of farm workers could be a lot worse today. The Chicano movement is a great part of Mexican American history and I was very interested and encouraged by the dedications these Chicanos had.
ReplyDeleteAlma De La Llana
I had never learned so much about Cesar Chavez in my entire life. I had heard about him, but I had never learned what he did or why. It is so intriguing how everyone knows who Martin Luther King was and what his cause was. In the video, they describe how Cesar Chavez was for the Mexican American workers like Martin Luther King for the African American people. Still us, Hispanic, barely know about him. I wonder if it’s because in our history books, the Cesar Chavez portion is extremely short and general. I bet everyone knows who Rosa Parks is, and that’s great, but how many of us knew that Dolores Huerta was called “The Dragon Lady” because of her fierce personality? I’m glad I had the chance to read more about the Hispanic Farmers and their leaders.
ReplyDeleteI liked that, just as Anzaldua thought, Chavez compares the Hispanic people that are being oppressed as “huge wave of water which nothing can stop.” This idea of fluidity and expansion continues to appear in the minds of Chicanos. Also, I find it interesting how our traditions, like “peregrinaciones” and the Virgin of Guadalupe are some of the factors that pushed the movement forward and gave them hope to continue the “huelga”. Learning about Chicanos in this time was all very inspiring, but the part that gave me the most chills was Cesar Chavez’s speech that said, “…Our swear and blood have fallen on this land to make other men rich.” I thought that vision was very powerful and emotional. It made me understand the whole idea, purpose, and desire that the movement had.
Overall, reading and watching about the Farmer Union filled me with pride. Our people have fought so hard, so many years to give us the rights that now we have. There are still fights to fight, and in order to honor our past Chicano leaders, we should not give up and feel proud because “You can’t help people if you feel sorry for them.”
Ingrid Davila
This is one of my favorite topics; learning about Cesar Chavez and of what he did is something important for me in a way. If it were not for him and Dolores Huerta many injustices would not been listened to. Cesar Chavez made justice along with people who were tired of being paid poorly for their hard work and decided to fight for their rights. Back then being a farmworker was way more difficult, due to injustices. I had known about Cesar Chavez almost all my life, because I come from a family of migrant workers and my grandpa was involved in some strikes from what I remember being told. Farmworkers did not only had to suffer being paid poorly, but also working long hours without enough rest, making it a type of slavery. Children who worked in the fields did not receive education, which is something sad, because they had to work in harsh conditions. Being from a family of migrant farmworkers, makes me value my education even more. If it wasn’t for my mom and dad working in the fields, my sisters and I would not have an education. It makes me feel good that the working conditions have been getting better. I really enjoyed knowing about this topic, even though in a way it makes me upset thinking about how workers were treated, but it makes me feel better that someone decided to do something about it. Cesar Chavez fought for people’s rights and he even united our race for a good cause and it makes me see that we should all be united and help each other out.
ReplyDeleteGuadalupe Cazares
Cesar Chavez took on a big role when it comes to Mexican-American’s rights in the United States, therefore reading some of his work was quite astounding. Advice coming from an activist such as he was is something that should be highly valued and analyzed. The Chicano! Episode 2 was a more memorable rendition of the efforts of past Chicanos because it provided visual representation of what the movement physically looked like. I believe that actually seeing the solidarity of our people makes it that much more empowering, and interviews from the people that lived it inspiring. Both the episode and Acuna described the Mexican version of the civil rights movement, something not usually taught or focused on anywhere else. Acuna mentions how Chicanos and other minorities sometimes felt like they had to prove that they belonged in the Civil Rights Movement and used this traction in awareness to focus on our specialized struggles, like the exploitation of brown bodies in the fields that fed the country. These are factors we tend to overlook when thinking about the individuality of each minority and how they each have their own personalized struggles that are not always addressed because they represent a smaller fraction of the country. It is definitely disappointing to see that Chicanos took out this anger of underrepresentation and funneled it towards hate; “In the mid-1960’s, some Chicanos offered naïve cultural explanations about why Mexicans did not riot; they pictured themselves as more peaceful than African Americans.” (303) I believe that we should learn from our history, the way our Chicano ancestors cooperated with the also exploited Asian Americans, and not tear each other down but stand together through marginalization and oppression to be undefeated in the face of racism.
ReplyDeleteAndrea Juarez
I feel as if I have finally annoyed my after reading this, for some reason I could not stop ranting about Cesar Chavez. Like I had mentioned before in one of my discussions, I was appalled that I knew information and the history of African Americans, but unfortunately had very little knowledge of my own history. And I always knew what a great journey the African Americans went through, all the trials and tribulations, and how Martin Luther King made a huge difference in America with his dream of justice, but little did i know that Cesar Chavez, someone from my own culture, did all these things. Now, Don't get me wrong, I did have some knowledge on Cesar Chavez, (ironically, my street name where i live is called Cesar Chavez) but not enough to be flabbergasted by his work. In all honesty it really does sadden me that i only knew so much about him, much less what he did. So something interesting that i thought of, where would we be if Cesar Chavez did not take a stand for us Mexicans, because even to this day we are still fighting for some things, you know, such as DACA, so where would we be, if this man did not take a stand for us.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Lopez
Reading about Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta made me appreciate the work of thousands of farm workers. I have personally experienced the life of working in the fields and how at times it makes you feel inferior just because you have the willingness to do the job that others see as hard work. I could definitely relate to the farm workers mentioned in the readings as well as the film, it makes me sad to learn the struggles that my family and i went through in my childhood are nothing compared to the struggles that farm workers went through in the 1960’s.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, every employer should appreciate the hard work employees do, ultimately, their hard work is one of the main reasons a business becomes successful. I was glad to read that there were individuals like Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta among others who dedicated their lives and efforts to fight for the farm worker’s rights. Not only to assure that workers got their fair payment according to their performance but that their children could have a better life, the right to attend school, and the most important of all, the opportunity to construct a future brighter than the one their parents had.
We, as Chavez and Huerta should advocate for Chicanos fighting for their rights, come united as one and demonstrate that La Raza Unida can and will achieve the American Dream.
-Rossy Tapia Cervantes
After reading the texts and viewing the film, “Chicano!,” I reflected on the impact that the Chicano movement made upon me. I enjoyed learning that the Mexicans turned to the works and representations of art to join them together as a people. Art is a powerful tool in unifying a group to one mind and accord. The Mexican population within the United States were fighting against the discrimination of their people, but even as they brought their cause to those in authority, their voices were shut off from society; the only hope of change could be demonstrated through handy action, art. Furthermore, under the direction and leadership of César Chávez the people were provided with trust-worthy and wise discretion. I was touched by the acts of Chávez even in the face of opposition and hopelessness. While the Mexicans battled with the projection of their voices, he turned to what he knew to be true; Chávez understood the power of fasting. Fasting, an act of surrender unto God, humbles man to hear the voice of God, and in doing so, His power and glory is manifested in the world we live in. I did not know this about Chávez, so this discovery brought me to be reminded of the God I serve and the renown and truth of His Word.
ReplyDeleteCeline Brianna Salas
After watching and reading about Cesar Chavez and the Chicano movement I was in both engaged and shocked at the same time. I was engaged since I enjoyed reading up on the Chicano movement and well shocked because I didn’t know much about it and I was able to read about what it was and how it worked which was interesting. Cesar Chavez was a very inspiring person and still is until this day. He and his followers wanted equality for Mexican Americans and what I loved the most is that their protests were non-violent with still getting their point across. Unlike other protests in the past or protest that have recently gone on around the world today they didn’t go crazy vandalizing anything, hurting anyone or anything like that in the process. They did it in a very respectful and formal matter in which in my opinion all protests should be If any at all. I also loved how they were people that were in agreeance and wanted to see Mexicans treated equally. Cesar Chavez was a very powerful human being with his inspiring words, he is the reason why Mexicans felt okay and great to unite together and fight for equality. He was a leader which back in the day was extremely hard to be because of the cruel and disrespect they experienced daily. What broke my heart while watching the film is in the beginning is when the woman was being interviewed and was asked how much money she makes in one day and her response was only two dollars was heartbreaking. They got paid so poorly and as well got treated even worse. They should have been getting paid more and way more appreciated for all their challenging work. Even until this day many of us go and work in the fields and let me tell you it is not easy at all especially with this heat. I learned a lot from watching and reading these readings. I would recommend these to people who are more interested in our culture and to understand our background. You can’t be more inspired unless you read about it yourself.
ReplyDeleteBrandi Rae Rodriguez
After watching “Chicano! Episode “. It give me an inside look how was the life of a Mexican American farmer worker during 1960s, which it was horrible seeing my people working in harsh conditions. The Mexican race have sacrificed themselves during the last hundred years by working in horrible conditions spilling their sweat and blood. The life of a Mexican American farmer was unhuman they were getting paid two dollar for a backbreaking work and being exposed to the sun all day. It was sad seeing farmers workers have their children dropout from school and have them work in the fields because the salary it wasn’t enough to have a decent life. Plantations owners would threat their workers with no dignity they were using their workers as items exploiting them basically Mexican American were segregated in their work. Also they were some landowners that were compassionate with their farm worker but they didn’t do anything to make a difference others landowners would said “we can’t afford we can’t give”. I am glad that Cesar Chavez led the Chicano movement it was amazing in how he got inspired by Martin Luther King and Mohandas Gandhi leading to non-violent protesting, teaching their people how they can fight for their rights.
ReplyDeleteFabian Perez
Watching the clip of “Chicano! - Struggle in the Fields,” made me sad because a lot of these Mexicans Americans had it rough. People had to work long hours every day in the hot and a lot of them were being paid $2 dollars a day and that’s not fair. Many of the children had to go work in the farms with their parents, which meant that these kids weren’t going to schools or they would get picked up early. This pretty much meant that there was no future for these kids on going to college and getting an education and that they were more than likely going to stay as farm workers most of their life’s. It made me sadder thinking of what the parents of these children were going through. The fact that they had to work long hours because every day they were on the line financial, thinking if their kids were going to have food and water for that day or that feeling when a child asks for a toy but can’t buy it because they won’t have money for other things that they need is heartbreaking. I’m happy that Cesar Chavez had the courage to step up and lead the strike for the rights of the Mexican American farm workers. He had such a passion and wanted to do everything nonviolent and for this, I admire him.
ReplyDeleteIvan Lira
The purpose of the readings was to see how Chavez sophisticated and feel what he was feeling. Honestly it was very disorienting to know how Mexicans Americans were treated and how they lived. It was also devastating to know how they couldn’t be on strikes because they were scared of losing their only jobs as well for their family life. To know that they weren’t treated equally because of their ancestors and where they came from. They were afraid to speak out but Cesar Chaves gave them that encouragement and support. And if they protest they were threatened for deportation and life threatened. I mean doesn’t it make you feel mad and disappointed in what they did to them? And it’s something that is still going on and needs to be changed.
ReplyDeleteStephanie cantu
After watching the clip “The Struggle in the Fields” and after reading all the Chavez’s readings, I felt sadden by the fact that farm workers were treated very badly and at first they were getting paid as little as $1.10 for a whole day of work, it was then raised to $1.60 for a day which is still very little pay for a lot of hard work. Cesar Chavez started a movement by bringing a lot people together to fight for their rights, he was inspired by Martin Luther King and the nonviolence protest. I think it was a great idea to form a movement because once they start fighting for what they want, nothing can stop them, especially if it is a big group of people. Chavez talked about the Virgin Mary, maybe he used an image of her to lead the march because he was praying to her and since the majority of Mexican Americans are Catholics, maybe he felt that more people would join because of his beliefs.
ReplyDeleteYadira de Leon
In reading about Cesar Chavez, I was really impressed with how big of a symbol he was to the people. I’ve heard the name Cesar Chavez, but really did not know who he was until I read about him in the readings. The workers were not treated well at all. They were getting paid a maximum of $1.20. My family used to work in the fields and get paid once cent for each onion of vegetable picked. They were left with cuts on their hand and knees which would get worse from working every day. The workers put in so much time and effort for what? Just to get paid Less than $2.00 a day. It’s just like saying free labor to all the people. Cesar Chavez helped make a difference by forming the National Farmer Workers Association. He gave a voice to the workers. Many were afraid to speak their mine but Cesar Chavez was the voice of the people. He lead strikes which made a huge impact and got the attention of other people which made the union grow. Other workers were encouraged to join the union which include the Philippinos stated in the film. He was able to include other workers besides the Mexicans to join.
ReplyDeleteVictoria Galvan