UPDATE: Raul Pickett & Henry Flores [LRL] Chavez

raul.pickett@GMAIL.COM

In California, we had the same experience.  Early on, women were relegated to supportive roles, while men were placed in leadership positions. Women struggled for a place in the movement.  The relationship between Chavez and Huerta was just a reflection of what was occurring on a broader scale. 

Despite the above, we need to proceed cautiously on the Chavez issue.  We have been too hasty in accepting the accusations as truths as presented on Chavez.  At best, it's a half-truth warranting further investigation.  He's accused of having committed abuses against women several decades earlier, including young Latinas. Remember, Chavez died as a result of his commitment to the struggle of our people.  He was warned by his physician that if he continued to partake in hunger strikes, he could die.  Also, Huerta is 96 years old, and serious issues have been raised regarding her voracity.

I'm not making conclusions, but I'm greatly disturbed by how quickly the White establishment has reacted to the "accusations," but I am even more disturbed by how our community quickly reacted to destroy any positive portrayal of Chavez's life. This would only happen in our community.  More than any other figure, he's contributed the most to the development of our community in the U.S..  While I deeply condemn such actions, we should always make sure we are on solid ground before reacting.  We continue to be overly trusting of the White establishment. Such a reaction rarely occurs with the names of notable historical figures, worst accusations, such as those whose names are carried by our schools, parks, streets, etc..  Even our President has been accused of being misogynistic and convicted of abuses. 

Raza, we have a long way to go!   He that ignor the past is bound to repeat it.

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The Chavez Scandal reminds of a problem the movement faced early on and did not come to grips with it.  One of the internal complaints was that the movement leadership was misogynistic, too macho.  The men acted like they owned the movement and the women were just minor players and minions that did our bidding.  This was wrong and I pointed it out early on and so did a good number of women and some men but the leadership ignored our warnings.  I think that the Chavez's behavior reflected the view that women were just objectives to be used and discarded after they fulfilled their jobs.

Thoughts?

000000a05b9a39d2-dmarc-request@LISTSERV.CYBERLATINA.NET

Henry Flores, PhD

Distinguished University Research Professor Emeritus

School of Law

St. Mary's University

San Antonio, TX

Distinguished University Research Scholar in Residence

Department of Political Science

University of Houston

Houston, TX

(210) 846-8260

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