Analysis: Yo Soy Joaquín - I Am Joaquín

The Chicano search for identity is explored by poet Rodolfo Gonzales in his epic tale, Yo Soy Joaquín - I Am Joaquín.  The opening line, “I am Joaquín”, is not only a statement of fact, it is also an invitation for the reader to join along on the author’s existential autobiographical journey.  Joaquín is a metaphorical representation of the Chicano.  Yo Soy Joaquín- I Am Joaquín was written at the precipice of Chicano Movement of the late 60’s and early 70’s and has been credited as the premier work of the Chicano Literary Renaissance which began during this time of social and racial upheaval in the United States. (Hartley)

The poem begins with Joaquín identifying the basic conditions of his life to this point: confusion, manipulation, loss of history, and the struggle to regain the culture of his people.  As the story progresses, it becomes clear thatJoaquín’s ancestry is extremely diverse.  Joaquín feels forced to choose between his history and his future, causing him to feel confused and oppressed by a culture he feels forced to assimilate.  He recognizes that to be true to himself, he will have to look beyond societal norms of the Anglos.

Joaquín continues the journey through consideration of the many contradictory elements that comprise the Chicano culture.  He is an Aztec ruler, a Mayan prince, a great Chichimeca leader.  He is also the “sword and flame of Cortes the despot…and the eagle and serpent of Aztec civilization” (18).  Joaquin continues to reflect on the continual contradiction within himself; he is both wealthy and poor, a tyrant and a slave.  The circuitous path Joaquin takes the reader on as he defines who he is, illustrates the deep, rich, and sometimes confusing heritage of the Chicano.

This poem supports the impression that Chicanos are truly mestizaje (mixed race), many sharing DNA with indigenous tribes and Spanish conquerors  Joaquin states, “The crown was gone, but all its parasites remained, and ruled, and taught with gun and flame and mystic power” (30).  After the revolution lead by Father Hildago, Spain was no longer in control of Mexico, but the damage was done.  “Parasites” remained, the indigenous blood lines were mixed with Spanish, mysticism was melded with Catholicism, everything had become mezclado (mixed).

Being a mix of so many contradictory pieces has surely led to confusion as Joaquin defined himself.  In the end he clearly knows that regardless of all of the parts that have come together to make him whole, that he, Joaquin a person and the representation of all of his people, and is both powerful and capable. “I am the masses of my people and I refuse to be absorbed.  I am Joaquín.  The odds are great, but my spirit is strong, my faith is unbreakable, my blood is pure. I am Aztec prince and Christian Christ.  I shall endure!  We shall endure!” (100). 

 

 

 

Works Cited

Gonzales, Rodolfo. Yo Soy Joaquín / I Am Joaquín. 1972. 

Hartley, George. “I Am Joaquín: Rodolfo ‘Corky’ Gonzales and the Retroactive Construction of Chicanismo.” “Corkey” Gonzales & Retroactive Chicanismo. Ohio University. https://writing.upenn.edu/epc/authors/hartley/pubs/corky.html