Dr. Clara E. Rodriquez in “What It Means to Be Latino” states the following, “To be a Latino means, that in the 2000 U.S. census, you were counted as on of the 35.3 million people, of any race, classified as “Hispanic”, and that you were part of a group that comprised 12.5% of the total U.S. population.”[1] Dr Rodriguez went on further to give a break down of what comprises the Hispanic/Latino demographic. The nationalities include Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicans, Salvadorans, Guatemalans, and Colombians. This list is by no means exhaustive. She goes on further to say, “Being Latino also means that you lay claim to (or more) of the rich and unique histories that each of these groups brings to the United States.”[2] Interesting to note: a person can be referred to as a Latino or Hispanic and not even speak Spanish. Dr. Rodriquez gives a third and final opinion on what it means to be Latino in the preceding sentence. “Finally, being Latino means you are a part of one or more groups that have their own unique cuisine, music, and cultural and artistic traditions.”[3] As you may gather, there is more to defining the Latino community than just knowing where the Latino was born, according to Dr. Rodriquez.

One fascinating aspect of the Latino social movements is the length of time some of them have lasted with such little resources. Some thrived prior to the usage of the Internet. This would indicate fervor and determination in gain a win for the cause. While many other social movements would have failed the Latinos have only grown. The development of the Latino social movements appears to begin with one individual willing to take a message to the crowds. Cesar Chavez was the ultimate example of this. Jesse Jackson is an excellent example for the black community. The major difference here is that the black community appears to have several public leaders while the Latinos are just now awakening and putting their hat into the public/political ring.

The Latino/Chicano social movements do not appear to bear the markings of traditional social movements. It would appear that most of the Latino social movements are composed of expressive crowds. Rhythmic expression becomes a major role so that sufficient repetition would make it appear that the crowd is acting in unison. We do not necessarily see mass behavior but rather group acting under the control of one or a few individuals. The group does appear to network well, but with guidance from the leader or leaders.

Once in a great while an individual takes the world by storm. Cesar Chavez was such a man. There appear to be no other person in Latino culture that has done so much for a Latino cause. Sure there are actors who have been in the public eye for years, but none have taken a leading role in making life better for the average Latino. Life would be rough and unjust had Cesar Chavez not accomplished what he did. It is unlikely that anyone else would have or even in the future, step up to the plate and sacrifice what Chavez sacrificed to bring dignity to not only the farm workers but to the Mexican community. The Latino community can learn from words Cesar Chavez lived by. In fact, any person can accomplish much by following these words; “Being of service is not enough. You must become a servant of the people. When you do, you can demand their commitment in return.” [10}

Some topics in this essay:
Cesar Chavez, Santa Ana, Olmec Toltec, Traditional Mexicans, Mexican Mexico, Dr Rodriquez, Workers Association, , California Latinos, Los Angeles, cesar chavez, latino community, santa ana, social movements, farm workers, latino social movements, farm worker, latino social, dr rodriquez, latino means, latino identity, dr santa ana, social movements appear, cesar chavez accomplished, chicana chicano studies,