Wichita State University - Parnassus Yearbook (Wichita, KS)

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Chicanismo today has many different conno- tations and ramifications than it did just ten years ago. It is true that efforts by Mexican- Americans in the struggle for equality were made since the Mexican-American War and especially after the turn of the century, but a Chicano today would agree that this activity did not exist to the degree and profoundness that it has taken on in the past few years. The domi- nant society has given many Chicanos a superfi- cial impression that they are able to participate fully in their society and enjoy all the rewards of such participation. But underneath this offer of participation and opportunity is the strict decla- ration that all aspects of culture other than those of the dominant one will have to be re- jected and disregarded. One has only to take on the appearance of a white middle class member to be able to share in some of the fruits of the society, but what most Mexican-Americans do not understand is that in order to take advan- tage ofthe offer, they have to do it as a second class citizen and with the emasculation of' cul- ture. For reasons beyond comprehension of this writer, society at large has refused to accept cul- ture characteristics and traits of other segments of our multi-cultured society except when these can be used to an advantage, economically or otherwise. The Chicano movement of today is creating an atmosphere in the Chicano community that means to manya reassertation of one's self and reclaiming of culture. Many older and middle class Mexican-Americans argue against La Causa saying it is harmful to the advancement of the Mexican-American at the grassroots level. They fail to realize that the Chicano as differentiated from the Mexican-American, is making the necessary attempts at equality to give the Chi- cano his deserved first class citizenship now because manana is over and we have been waiting too long to obtain the rights that were guaranteed to all. Chicanismo today means being able to redefine and reclaim a culture that has been considered inferior and subversive just because of difference in language and values. Discovering one's self is an experience of ex- treme importance for anyone and especially the younger Chicano because with this he may be able to assert himself and at least have the op- tion to live in this society as an assimulated member or as a first class citizen with Chicano values, characteristics and outlook. I l

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The worlds inside you: the dreams, the truths you must find, and separate, and choose in which you'Il live

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