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Sunday, October 31, 2010

REPUBLICAN SANCTIONED STEREOTYPES: MEXICAN CRIMINALS AND THE RETURN OF THE FRITO BANDITO



REPUBLICAN-SANCTIONED STEREOTYPES:
MEXICAN CRIMINALS AND THE RETURN OF THE FRITO BANDITO

by Roberto Dr. Cintli Rodriguez

Many Republicans and conservatives do not seem to know, or appear to not have the faintest clue, as to what is a racially insulting and dehumanizing image.  At least they feign ignorance.


It is the same ignorance that was used to claim that there was nothing wrong with usage of the “Black Sambo” or “Chinaman” images of a generation ago.



It is the same ignorance that was used to claim there was nothing wrong with using a Mexican bandit – the “Frito Bandito” – to sell Frito Lay’s corn chips. And then came the 1960s.


These people that feign ignorance nowadays always seem to work for political campaigns. Unless the topic is sports mascots. For example, the 1960s bypassed the Washington Redskins and Chief Wahoo of the Cleveland Indians. The dehumanization of American Indians, particularly in the sports universe, has been normalized.

That aside, the rest of these operatives seem to work on political campaigns. But they are not ignorant; they know precisely how to tap into deep-seeded fears and  how to stir up profound hate.

The 1988 Willie Horton ad by the Bush I campaign is always cited as a prime example of what campaigns are willing to do to scare the electorate: associate Blacks with crimes. Fast forward to 2010 and fear [and hate] of brown people has also become acceptable and normalized. Nevada Senate hopeful Sharron Angle’s campaign has exploited images of Mexicans coming across the border. However, her explanation is that they actually may be Asian. She made that explanation in front of little children, mostly Mexican, telling them that they too looked Asian.


Across the country, “illegal aliens” have become this year’s election year political piƱatas, particularly for those on, though not limited to, the extreme political right wing. This year, a campaign is not complete without an ad of invading brown hordes. Fear [and hate] works in any part of the country. For example, go to a Sen. John Vitter ad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7bZ58QOMG8

If one were to substitute the words illegal aliens for say Blacks or Jews, etc – all that is said or shown about so-called “illegal aliens” – would be deemed shocking and socially unacceptable. And yet the use of the dehumanizing terms “illegal aliens” and “wetbacks” are but code words for Mexicans… regardless of where they were born. Thus politicians venomously speak of illegal aliens and even wetbacks, lest they be accused of being racists. The use of such terms, as opposed to “Mexicans,” permits them to believe that they have been granted a racism exemption card.

In Arizona, this is a canard. Here, political operatives have resurrected an image right out of the 1960s. The unflattering image is that of an unsmiling Mexican man, with a massive, oversized moustache. It was produced (photoshopped) and paid for not by Tea Party types or minutemen or vigilantes, but by none other than the Arizona Republican Party (ARP). The image is that of U.S. Congressman Raul Grijalva. It is not a generic hit piece; it is a campaign flier mailed out on behalf of his opponent.

The ARP denies that the flier is racist (surprise). Their rationale is that Grijalva has a moustache and he uses it as his campaign logo. A look at the two images will not create confusion. His own image is not offensive. However, the Republican version unleashes a blatant Mexican stereotype made to elicit fear, hate and revulsion. The truth is, conservatives have targeted Grijalva – head of the Congressional Progressive Caucus – for his stand against SB 1070, the racial profiling measure that has been temporarily struck down by the courts, and also been denounced by UN Rapporteurs.

Of course, his opponents have a right to boycott Grijalva all they want and they have the right to make any [distorted] claim they wish. That does not mean the rest of us have lost the ability to see a blatant stereotype in the ARP fliers. In reality, the flier projects a stereotype even more vile and sinister than the Frito Bandito.

That in 2010 such stereotypes can be created and defended tells us something about our nation’s state of affairs. It can be dismissed as just an extension of Arizona’s extremist politics, including Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s call for an army of vigilantes to prevent “illegals” from “stealing” the 2010 election. It’s even more insidious than that. It is proof that the anti-illegal immigrant hate is actually good old-fashioned anti-Mexican hate, regardless of place of birth.

It is easy to see why Chief Wahoo has survived into the 21st century; apparently, Grijalva too is being honored by his opponents.


Rodriguez, a professor at the University of Arizona, can be reached at: XColumn@gmail.com






Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Arizona Developments EMERGENCY!

Arizona: A Time and Decade of Betrayal
By Roberto Dr. Cintli Rodriguez

When people the world over think of Arizona, nowadays, they generally think of Gov. Jan Brewer,  Sheriff Joe Arapio or state rep. Russell Pearce – the poster children of the state’s move toward legalized discrimination and racial profiling. If they are closely following the politics of the sun state, they also think of state superintendent of schools, Tom Horne, the architect of the state’s move to abolish Ethnic/Raza Studies.

Here, we think of the human toll.

Combined, these Arizona measures are becoming the modern version of Indian Removal and the colonial policy of “reducciones” – a policy aimed at civilizing the “savages.”

To those outside of this insane asylum – this state is being described as the New South. It may indeed be that, including a laboratory for setting the stage for apartheid governance in a part of the country that is browning daily. Politically, this is all about the clash of civilizations; one civilization Indigenous to this continent, the other, seemingly hell-bent on continuing the policies of manifest destiny.

Yet, there is something more taking place here. In a sense, to understand Arizona, read Brown Tide Rising by Otto Santa Ana. In it, the author poignantly observes that in this society: “Only humans have human rights.” There can be no doubt that the red-brown peoples of this state are being treated as less than human.

Also, read A Decade of Betrayal by Francisco Balderrama and Raymond Rodriguez. In it, they write about this nation’s obsession with targeting Mexicans during times of economic crises, going back to the period between 1910-1920. And yet, what they point out is that the numerous campaigns that deported hundreds of thousands and even millions of Mexicans, including U.S. citizens, were not indiscriminate, particularly the one conducted in the 1930s, but rather, targeted. Who were targeted were not criminals, but rather, anyone resembling a leader, in particular, community, educational and labor organizers.

In Arizona, there are numerous policies and programs in place (Operation Streamline) to criminalize migrants – which not coincidentally line the pockets of the private prison industry. But beyond that, an array of law enforcement agencies, continue to become extensions of the U.S. Border Patrol – operating as though SB 1070 was already the law of the land.

In Tucson, these draconian measures have now begun to affect the parents of our top students and top student organizers. In the summer, the father of a young high school activist DREAM Student, was picked up by a Sheriff’s deputy while a passenger in a truck. Even though SB 1070 was not in effect, as happens regularly, he was handed over to the Border Patrol. This happened during the middle of the annual Raza Studies Transformative Education Conference this summer. As a community, we rallied to the support of the family, successfully getting him out on bail. I’ve written about her previously as she has publicly identified herself, long before several DREAM Students identified themselves publicly while occupying the offices of Sen. John McCain this past summer. As a proud community organizer, she publicly identifies herself, but I don’t identify her, not even identifying her school, because I still feel the government has the potential to target their families.

For example, this past weekend, the father of one of our top students at the University of Arizona, Michelle Rascon – who is an incredible poet, a Raza Studies alumni, a U.S. citizen and a prospective law student – was picked up at his own home in what appears to have been an elaborate ruse by the FBI. After luring Jesus Gilberto Rascon outside, they proceeded to call the U.S. Border Patrol. As we speak, he is undergoing criminal proceedings that may keep him incarcerated for at least several months – until his final disposition -- which could result in a lengthy prison sentence. Of course, there are legal details involved, which will be litigated in court, but suffice to say, that cases such as these point to the absurdity of what the government is doing to divide up families; neither are criminals in any sense of the word.

The federal government claims to no longer be targeting students or their families and that its policies are designed instead to primarily go after "criminal aliens." The draconian enforcement measures seen around the country, especially in Arizona, belie this so-called new policy. Apparently, if the nation criminalizes non-violent migrants through its various operations and 287(g) agreements, including Secure Communities, then once criminalized, they now become "criminal aliens," thus primary targets. Circular logic at its best.

We appear to be in the midst of another decade of betrayal.


* A note from Michelle Rascon:  My family and I are eternally grateful for all of the support we have received. Please take this time and help us make an impact on his case. Please email me letters of support: To whom it may concern, ASAP if you are able to help or fax them to 520-884-5887. Michelle Rascon mixelle1322@gmail.com

* A note from Derechos Humanos: Please help our sister, Michelle, and her family during this difficult time.  We must support each other.  Donate online or mail a check or money order to Arizona Border Rights Foundation PO Box 1286, Tucson, AZ 85702-1268, with "Rascon Family" in the memo field. For more donation info, write to: kat@derechoshumanosaz.net.


Rodriguez, a professor at the University of Arizona, can be reached at: XColumn@gmail.com

Friday, October 15, 2010

call for conference support (electronic donations or checks)

SUMMIT COMBATTING HATE, CENSORSHIP & FORBIDDEN CURRICULUMS
DEC 2-4 TUCSON, ARIZONA
CALL FOR SUPPORT

A historic conference and Floricanto in Tucson, Arizona at the beginning of December will tackle the issues of hate, censorship and forbidden curriculums. Yet, it may not be so much a conference as it will be a gathering or a summit to confront what L.A. hip-hop artist Tolteka has dubbed the Trilogy of Terror: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiG8p1MUXxA).

The three legs of this Arizona trilogy include:

SB 1070- the state’s racial profiling bill

HB 2281 – the anti-Ethnic/Raza Studies bill

Nullification of the 14th Amendment or Birthright Citizenship


Understanding that not all who wish to participate will be able to make the trip to this political desert, this here is a call to support this conference. 

ELECTRONIC DONATIONS:

We are accepting gifts from $25, $50 to $100 or more. The estimated budget that still needs to be raised for the conference is $4,000 and we hope to reach that through generous contributions like yours. This includes a special issue of El Coraje, a publication that has been revived by UA Students (496 students: History of Red-Brown Journalism), which will serve to document much of the themes within the conference. (Of course,you will receive a copy of the issue). The donation is tax-deductible. Send
electronically or by check via mail.

ELECTRONICALLY: To make your contribution with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard,
American Express, Discover), please follow these directions:

1) Click on the link below

https://www2.uafoundation.org/netcommunity/sslpage.aspx?pid=347

This will take you to the SBS, UA Foundation Website. It is a secured site.

2) Click or fill-in your desired contribution ? the amount.

3) Under "Designation", please click on the drop down arrow and select

"Other". Another "Other" window should appear.

4 ) Type "MASRC R. Rodriguez Events" in the window. This will tell

the UA Foundation where your contribution should be assigned. Very

important step.

5) Please fill out your billing and payment information. This is

needed to properly send you a receipt for tax purposes.

Fill out the additional security code, and click on the

"Donate Now" button at the bottom of the page.

6) Lastly, for our accounting records and to make sure your

contribution reaches our Center, please email Veronica Peralta

at vperalta@email.arizona.edu with your name, address,

and amount given. No other information is needed.

BY CHECK

Make check payable to: The University of Arizona Foundation. In the memo line, write:           MASRC R. Rodriguez Events.    Please mail it to:

Mexican American Studies & Research Center

Attn: Veronica Peralta

Cesar Chavez, Room 208

PO BOX 210023

Tucson AZ 85721-0023

If questions re donations: VPERALTA@EMAIL.ARIZONA.EDU or 520-626-8139.

Thanks in advance.

Prof Roberto Dr. Cintli Rodriguez

FOR CONFERENCE INFO, CONTACT: ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ AT MEXICAN AMERICAN STUDIES-U OF A: RODRIGU7@EMAIL.ARIZONA.EDU OR 520-626-0824  FOR UPDATED INFO:  http://drcintli.blogspot.com/


Monday, October 11, 2010

INTL CONF. ON HATE, CENSORSHIP and FORBIDDEN CURRICULA DEC 2-4

                                     INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE - TLAHTOKAN
COMBATTING  HATE, CENSORSHIP & FORBIDDEN CURRICULA
DECEMBER  2-4
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
YWCA
EL RIO COMMUNITY CENTER
TUCSON, ARIZONA

COMBATING

HB2281 - ANTI-ETHNIC STUDIES LAW
SB 1070 - RACIAL PROFILING LAW
REPEAL OF 14TH AMENDMENT (BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP)
OPERATION STREAMLINE 
PROP 107 (ANTI-AFFIRMATIVE ACTION)

AFFIRMING OUR HUMANITY


RODOLFO ACUNA  - LESLIE MARMON SILKO  - SIMON ORTIZ - ISABEL GARCIA - TUPAK E. ACOSTA - SEAN ARCE   CHERRIE MORAGA – CELIA RODRIGUEZ - RAMSES NORIEGA - ANA O'LEARY - KARA BRIGGS -  ANITA FERNANDEZ – ANDREA ROMERO ZARCO - SANDY SOTO – DAMIAN BACA - CELESTINO FERNANDEZ - SALVADOR REZA - DULCE JUAREZ  - MARIA F. BRUMMER – JOSE GONZALEZ – NORMA GONZALEZ  - MANUEL DE JESUS HERNANDEZ-G.,  RAQUEL RUBIO GOLDSMITH - KEVAN CHUC - JULIO CAMMAROTA - GUADALUPE CASTILLO - JAMES ANAYA - AUGUSTINE ROMERO – CARLOS MONTES - LUCI TAPAHONSO - ELENA DIAZ BJORKQUIST - CIHUATL CE -  NICO-POETS DEL NORTE - FELICIA FE MONTES - FRANCISCO ALARCON – MIXPE-  STELLA POPE DUARTE – AMANDA HOLM – HEDY TREVINO – ELIAS SERNA – ALEX SOTO - TOLTEKA (Partial List)



CALL FOR PROPOSALS EXTENDED TIL OCT 15: PLEASE SEND A 150-WORD SYNOPSIS OF PROPOSED PRESENTATIONS OR PANELS BY OCTOBER 15 TO E-ADDRESS BELOW. THOSE ACCEPTED WILL BE NOTIFIED NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 25. PRESENTATIONS & PANELS CAN BE SCHOLARLY OR CREATIVE, BUT ALL SHOULD REVOLVE AROUND THE THEME OF THE CONFERENCE/FLORICANTO, PARTICULARLY AS IT RELATES TO ARIZONA.

PURPOSE: WHILE THE WORLD HAS COME TO KNOW ABOUT SHERIFF ARPAIO & THE DRACONIAN ANTI-IMMIGRANT LEGISLATION - SB 1070 & THE FORTHCOMING EFFORT TO ELIMINATE BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP IN ARIZONA. LESS ATTENTION HAS BEEN PAID TO THE INQUISITION-STYLE MEASURE  HB 2281 - A PIECE OF LEGISLATION WHOSE CLEAR INTENT IS BOTH TO CENSOR WHAT CAN BE TAUGHT IN ARIZONA SCHOOLS AND TO ELIMINATE ETHNIC/RAZA STUDIES.

THE FOCUS OF THE CONFERENCE WILL BE THE STUDENT/EDUCATOR/COMMUNITY RESISTANCE TO THESE MEASURES (WE DON'T RECOGNIZE THEM AS LAWS) & RESISTANCE TO THE POLITICAL CLIMATE WE ARE LIVING. THIS ALSO INCLUDES THE DAILY  ATTACKS AGAINST PEOPLE OF COLOR AND SPECIFICALLY, AGAINST RED-BROWN PEOPLES OF THE STATE... FROM WHITEWASHING MURALS (PRESCOTT AZ) ... TO THE KANGAROO COURT KNOWN AS OPERATION STREAMLINE CONDUCTED DAILY IN TUCSON'S FEDERAL COURT, TO THE CONTINUED COOPERATION BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT & THE MIGRA. THIS EVEN INCLUDES PUBLICLY BOOING PROFESSORS OFF THE STAGE (U OF A) FOR SPEAKING ABOUT THESE ISSUES.
 

DAY OF RECKONING: UNLESS HB 2281 IS HALTED, ON DECEMBER 31, 2010, THE RAZA STUDIES-TUSD DEPARTMENT WILL CEASE TO EXIST.

OPEN INVITE: SCHOLARS/STUDENTS FROM THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND AND PRESENT, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, EVERYONE IS ENCOURAGED TO LEARN FROM THE COURAGEOUS YOUTHS/EDUCATORS AND COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS THAT HAVE CHALLENGED ARIZONA'S REPRESSIVE LEGISLATION. THE CHALLENGES HAVE INCLUDED A SUMMER RUN FROM TUCSON TO PHOENIX IN 115-DEGREE HEAT, ALL-NIGHT VIGILS, WALKOUTS, MARCHES, RALLIES, PROTESTS AND MASS ARRESTS. AT THIS CONFERENCE, YOU WILL ALSO BE EXPOSED TO RESEARCH BY UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE STUDENTS & FACULTY FROM ARIZONA  COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES,  PLUS EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS FROM THROUGHOUT THE RAZA STUDIES DEPARTMENT-TUSD.


PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION: EDUCATORS, STUDENTS, ORGANIZERS AND COMMUNITY ELDERS WILL PRESENT THE PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION FOR ETHNIC/RAZA STUDIES -- A DISCIPLINE THAT HAS BEEN UNDER INTENSE ATTACK SINCE ITS INCEPTION. THIS FOUNDATION - PART OF MAIZ-BASED KNOWLEDGE - IS THOUSANDS OF YEARS OLD AND INDIGENOUS TO THIS CONTINENT. THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS HAS LABELED THIS KNOWLEDGE "UNAMERICAN," ALLEGING THAT IT LEADS TO SEGREGATION AND THAT IT CALLS FOR THE VIOLENT OVERTHROW OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT -- THIS WHILE INSISTING THAT ONLY KNOWLEDGE ROOTED IN GRECO-ROMAN WESTERN CIVILIZATION IS WORTHY OF BEING TAUGHT IN ARIZONA SCHOOLS.

COSTS FOR THE CONFERENCE: FREE FOR STUDENTS/COMMUNITY.                             SUGGESTED $150 COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY FACULTY (NO ONE TURNED AWAY)

IN XOCHITL-IN CUICATL - FLORICANTO: CREATIVE EXPRESSION, FROM CON SAFOS THEATER, ZARCO, DANCE, PERFORMANCE ART, CORRIDOS, POETRY, SPOKEN WORD AND HIP HOP.


SPONSORED BY: UA-MEXICAN AMERICAN STUDIES - MEXICAN AMERICAN STUDIES-TUSD - YWCA-VOCES-TUCSON -PUENTE-ARIZONA - UA-MECHA - SOCIAL JUSTICE EDUCATION PROJECT - CALPOLI TEOXICALLI - NO MAS MUERTES  -NATIONAL WRITERS UNION, TUCSON CHAPTER  (UAW #1981), UA SEMILLAS  (PARTIAL LIST)


PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE

THURSDAY - 7AM RUN IN DEFENSE OF ETHNIC/RAZA STUDIES

THURSDAY 10AM OPENING CEREMONIES- UA MALL
CALPOLLI TEOXICALLI



THURSDAY OPENING DAY 11-3 PM KIVA STUDENT UNION- UA
UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE PRESENTATIONS


THURSDAY 3-4:30 PM REGIONWIDE MECHA SUMMIT
OLD MAIN AUD

OPENING RECEPTION - THURSDAY 5-10PM YWCA-TUCSON
FEATURING & HONORING RAZA STUDIES-TUSD STUDENTS-ALUMNI & TEACHERS/EDUCATORS
KEYNOTE: RODOLFO ACUNA - OCCUPIED AMERICA & RAQUEL RUBIO GOLDSMITH

FRIDAY SPECIAL PRE-CONFERENCE SESSIONS
8:AM-950 CHAVEZ 205-209
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE BY SEMILLAS EDUCATORS
10AM-11:30 AM
DECOLONIZING RESEARCH 
11AM-NOON BOOK READINGS
ROSALIA SOLORAZANO & FRANCISCA J. HERNANDEZ -CHICANA STUDIES READER

FRIDAY NOON-1:30 COMIDA & PLATICA UA MALL
1PM EXHIBIT - MAIN LIBRARY


FRIDAY 2PM-10PM GALLAGHER THEATER-UA
CONFERENCE & CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS


FLORICANTO  SATURDAY DEC 4  NOON-7PM
EL RIO COMMUNITY CENTER  - 2 STAGES                                                                                                                                                        LESLIE MARMON SILKO - CHERIE MORAGA - TOLTEKA - CIHUATL CE - ZARCO - SAFOS THEATER - FRANCISCO X ALARCON -  JO ANN MIXPE LEY - FELICIA FE MONTES  - MARGE PELLEGRINO - MIXELLE RASCON - LALYA M. HERNANDEZ  LUCI TAPAHONSO - HEDY TREVINO - AMANDA HOLM - ELIAS SERNA 
(PARTIAL LIST) SUGGESTED DONATION FOR FLORICANTO: $20 - PROCEEDS WILL GO TOWARDS CONFERENCE.


UNDERSTANDING THAT NOT ALL WHO WISH TO PARTICIPATE WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE THE TRIP TO THIS POLITICAL DESERT, THIS HERE IS A CALL TO SUPPORT THIS CONFERENCE. SEND WHATEVER YOU CAN: $25, $50 or $100 IN THE NAME OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA FOUNDATION. SEND TO VERONICA VERALTA, DEPARTMENT OF MEXICAN AMERICAN AND RAZA STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, CESAR CHAVEZ BLDG, 1110  E. JAMES ROGERS WAY, PO BOX 210023, TUCSON, AZ 85721-0023. 

FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT:
ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ AT MEXICAN AMERICAN STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA: RODRIGU7@EMAIL.ARIZONA.EDU OR 520-626-0824

Sunday, October 10, 2010

COLUMBUS DAY TRIAL FOR DEFENDERS OF RAZA STUDIES

By Roberto Dr. Cintli Rodriguez

The irony of standing trial on Columbus Day – for defending Tucson’s Raza Studies Program – is not lost upon the defendants. The philosophical foundation for Raza Studies-TUSD is maiz-based knowledge – knowledge that is both Indigenous to this continent, but also, at least 7,000 years old.

Despite this, the state superintendent of schools, Tom Horne – whose life mission is to eliminate Ethnic Studies in Arizona – believes that Raza Studies is “un-American,” this while embracing knowledge from Greece and Rome as the basis for Western Civilization and as acceptable for Arizona schools.

On May 14 of this year, a day after Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed HB 2281, legislation designed to eliminate Ethnic/Raza Studies, the police at Tucson’s state building detained a total of 15 student and community members for “criminal trespass.” The first trials, primarily of social justice students, are set for the morning of Oct 12.

Initially, after word had spread that Tom Horne was coming to Tucson to a meeting with TUSD administrators – one day after the signing of HB 2281 – hundreds of students and community members formed a human chain around the TUSD headquarters. His presence was interpreted as a victory lap. Wave after wave of students not simply surrounded the building, but the entire block itself.

Rather than face them, Horne instead opted to hold a press conference at the state building a couple of miles away.  Hundreds of students marched to, and then entered the state building, despite being told by officials that they were not welcome in this public building. Several dozen students attempted to enter the press conference on the second floor, but were locked out. As a result, they staged an impromptu sit-in. In the end, 15 refused to leave and were thus detained. Of those, 13 were arrested for criminal trespass. This included several middle, high school and college students. It also included two University of Arizona professors (including myself).

Of course, no charges were filed against Horne who has single-handedly set it as his life’s mission to eliminate the highly successful Raza Studies program. This program graduates students at a 97.5% rate and the college-going rate is upwards of 70%. Rather than export this program nationwide, this at a time of extremely high nationwide dropout-pushout rates, Horne seeks its elimination. He charges that it is “un-American,” that it promotes ethnic solidarity and that it breeds resentment against other races and the United States itself.

Through HB 2281, Horne has charged that Raza Studies promotes segregation and calls for the violent overthrow of the U.S. government. And true to form, HB 2281 creates false exemptions for American Indian Studies and African American Studies – a clumsy attempt to isolate Tucson’s Raza Studies and this community under siege.

HB 2281 sets up a state mechanism by which books and curriculums will be approved or disapproved. Worse, Horne’s actual intent is to rule Raza Studies-TUSD out of compliance and eliminate it by Dec 31, 2010. Despite his wishes, the state lacks the power to shut it down in such a dictatorial manner. The district would get a chance to appeal the decision before Raza Studies could be shut down.

On its face, Horne’s charges – that Raza Studies is out of compliance with a law that doesn’t even go into effect until Jan. 1, 2011 – is bizarre. Having never visited a Raza Studies classroom, he has demanded that TUSD videotape all Raza Studies classes. TUSD has rebuffed his demands.

That aside, a historic lawsuit is pending which will seek to prevent the state from implementing HB 2281. In this lawsuit, Horne will be greatly handicapped because TUSD has affirmed that Raza Studies is in full compliance. He is further handicapped because all the terms used in the legislation are ambiguous. For instance, the notion of what is American or unAmerican has never been litigated. What is ethnic and what constitutes ethnic studies has also never been litigated. The notion that teaching history via Raza Studies breeds resentment and hate also is ambiguous (and false), but it also tramples upon the traditional precept of academic freedom.

The danger of HB 2281 is that similar to SB 1070 – Arizona’s racial profiling legislation – it can also be replicated nationwide and it can also be expanded to the college and university levels. This is the importance of these Columbus Day trials and the forthcoming lawsuit. It is when and where Ethnic/Raza Studies will be defended.

·      Just several days ago, I was informed that my own trial was unexpectedly moved from Oct 21 to Oct 12 – which in actuality is nowadays, Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

·      On Dec 2-4, Mexican American Studies at the University of Arizona will host a conference on hate, censorship & forbidden curriculums:
http://drcintli.blogspot.com/2010/09/intl-conf-on-hate-censorship-forbidden.html

Rodriguez, a member of the MAS-TUSD community advisory board is a professor at the University of Arizona. He can be reached at: XColumn@gmail.com


Column of the Americas
PO BOX 3812
Tucson, AZ 85722