To all those that oppose the Chicano Department, I would like to say that you should do some research on the history of the Chicano Movement if you have not already. America makes up only four percent of the world’s population; however, America uses about forty percent of the world’s resources. Do not get me wrong, I do not hate America. I love America, but I hate the corrupt many that control America. Many of the people, but not all, that are opposed to the Chicano Department do not know that everyday they can function easier because of the Chicano. When I say Chicano, that means Brazilian, Mexican, Spanish, Guatemalan, Porto Rican, and many more. Chicano is not a race; however, Chicano is a belief. Chicano means pride, dignity, and respect for those that sacrificed so the next generation would not have to endure the slavery. Most Chicanos work in our indigenous countries a full day for less than the average student pays for lunch “$3.50”. This is done so we can have our coffee, sugar, gold, diamonds, silver, and more. The list goes on and on. The Chicano Department is a sign of respect for the Thirty thousand children that die everyday, because their parents cannot afford food for their family with the little amount of money they make working to produce coffee, sugar, gold, and more in other countries. Furthermore, There is a Chicano Department in almost every college and university in California. There is a Chicano Department in Russia. The First University in North America was established in Mexico in the 1500’s. Are you going to say that the administrations at the colleges and universities in California, with all their knowledge, made the wrong decision? Finally, by 2010 it is projected by the census that fifty six percent of California’s College attendees will be of Chicano decent. The supporters of the Chicano Department know that a Chicano Department at Bakersfield College ensures that the next generation will be more likely to succeed because of the Department. The Chicano Department will ensure that the sacrifices made, and that are being made everyday are never forgotten. We want more classes. We do not want to beg anymore to get into the classes we need. To the administration, why wont you show the Bakersfield College students some respect, and give the English, Math, History, and Chicano Department some attention? We are not going to be ignored any more.
M.E.Ch.A. Stands for “Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan.”
Movimiento: The movement to educate all people.
Estudiantil: The Student organization.
Chicano: A name for anyone who wants to fight for equality, education, and respect.
Aztlan: A spiritual place of peace, and also the land of our ancestors.
This letter is my opinion and does not represent the opinion of the Student Organization M.E.Ch.A.
Richard Rodriquez, M.E.Ch.A. Historian.