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Does the Canon Need an Overhaul? Introduction “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” - Dr. Seuss Reading is one of the great pleasures in life.  Seuss, concisely and in rhyme, summarized its importance, reading opens your mind beyond yourself, broadens your knowledge and your understanding of the world.  Educators are often tasked with selecting literature to use in their classrooms which meet state guidelines, while engaging students in meaningful ways. Many do this by selecting works from a commonly accepted list known as a literary canon. Generations of students have read literary canon works as part of their required curriculum.  Jordan Bates defines  literary canon  as “a body of books, narratives and other texts considered to be the most important and influential of a particular time, period, or place”.  The subject of the literary canon is a polarizing topic amo...
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Analysis: Zoot Suit

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  In Luis Valdez’s play  Zoot Suit,  the plight of the Hispanic search for identity is exposed.  Although the play is set in the early 1940’s, issues it highlights are still problems for Hispanics today.  Henry Reyna, along with twenty other Hispanic youth, all Pachucos, is arrested and tired for a in August of 1942.  From the outset, it is clear, the “gang” of Pachucos being held will not be able to get a fair trial due to the continual criminalization of the young adults by The Press.  The play is narrated by El Pachuco ( The  Pachuco), who resides in Henry’s subconscious, as the metaphorical embodiment of Pachuco culture, the “secret fantasy of every bato, in or out of the Chicanda” (Valdez 26). From his duck hat to his tailored tacuhe (suit), El Pachuco embodies all that is to be pachuco.  He is the quintessence of Hispanic pride and defiance, he is outspoken regarding injustice towards Hispanics, keeping the spotlight...
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Analysis: Yo Soy Joaquín - I Am Joaquín

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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 d...
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