[Click image of the printable PDF poster to enlarge. Copyright 2008 Jesus Manuel Mena Garza. All rights reserved.]
If you travel outside the Southwest, a strange phenomenon occurs. Chicanos* become invisible.
This ubiquitous phenomenon is most obvious on East Coast campuses. Chicano culture is not valued here. Chicanocentric art and history are dismissed with nary a thought.
[Click: To learn more about Chicano Studies]
They value traditional courses (you know what they are.) Occasionally they deliver a course on African-Americans or Afro-Latins. East Coasters know a bit (only a little bit) about the African Diaspora. Please don't ask them about Nepantla and Aztlan.
I am a strong proponent of more diversity. We need more classes on Asian-American, American-Indian, African-American and Chicano culture. Lord knows we are drowning in European culture, like it or not.
Here is an important fact. Today (2008), Chicanos are the largest minority group in the USA. Even with a new fence on the border, Chicanos will continue to expand their presence. Chicanos are migrating all across our country including Iowa, New York and Georgia. Yes, the Mexicano/Chicano Diaspora is changing the face of America. Some Americans don't appreciate the new paradigm. Do you?
The University of Minnesota understands what is taking place. Unlike those East Coast schools, they are hiring professors in Chicano Studies. Eventually, hopefully, some East Coast schools will consider expanding their knowledge base. In the interim, you can take classes on the Northern-Renaissance and the Crusades.
By the way you don’t have to be brown to teach Chicanocentric courses. In my opinion, all you need is a healthy respect and understanding of the cultural nuances. Admitting that Chicano culture is relevant in today's world is the first step towards creating a curriculum that effectively embraces the new American paradigm.
*Chicanas, Chicanos and Chicana/os
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