Chicanismo: The Forging of a Militant Ethos Among Mexican Americans

Garcia presents the Movement in four stages, emphasizing the rejection by Chicanos of the Liberal agenda and the attainment of a Chicano sense of historicity. He observantly points out that Mexicans had pursued social justice for decades prior to the 1960's and 1970's. It was the big letdown after the 'Viva Kennedy' campaigns that led to a more militant stance on Mexican issues.When a people lack a firm sense of their historic value, they suffer. Chicanismo provided that vital sense that "it's okay to be brown"...in fact, it's a badge of historical honor. Garcia also does an excellent job of exposing the sexism within the Movement against Chicanas, who were always among the first to join organizations, and among the last to leave. Chicanismo is an essential book for any self-respecting Chicana/o seeking to understand 'La Causa' and the sell-out "Hispanic / Latino" era that has transpired afterwards.Whether middle-class Mexicans may want to deny the label of Chicano in favor of a milder, more Eurocentric 'Hispanic' or 'Latino' labels, the ethos that was generated by Chicanos remains the historical and political blueprint for modern ethnic politicans and organizations.The Chicano record for building and creating community organizations and programs remains unmatched by the present Hispanic/Latino generation, who would rather change the names from Chicano to Hispanic or Latino. The Chicano contributions stand alone.

Garcia is an excellent writer, who clearly articulates his views. Unlike Acuna, Berrera, or Munoz, Garcia clearly establishes a synthesis of the movement. He is an excellent scholar on the La Raza Unida Party, and this is evident in his work. Great book for cultural and ethnical studies of American history. The only negative thing that I have to say, is that sometimes a reader may get lost in his ideological approach to many topics--Garcia is an excellent thinker.

This is a good analysis of the Chicano movement without the usual rhetoric and agenda that often times cloud such studies. "Chicanismo..." is a good book for those not fully versed in the subject matter, and for those who want to re-evaluate this unique movement. Recommended for Chicano Studies courses.