Chicano/a/x Studies Final Exam Terms

Neoliberalism

A strategy to strengthen the power of the upper class, gaining ground in the U.S after Reagan’s presidency. After these policies, the wealth of the top 1% surged, showing a clear wealth redistribution direction. This approach not only impacts economics but also reinforces the racial inequality and white supremacy by undermining solidarity among marginalized groups.

Alex Odeh

A Palestinian-American activist dedicated to advocating for Palestinian RIghts and Arab-American equality. He served as the West Coast director for the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. Tragically, he was assassinated in 1985, and his murder remained unsolved, highlighting the dangers faces by activists like him.

Los Angeles Intifada

Refers to a series of uprising in Los Angeles that connect with global justice movements, especially for Palestinians. Activists have drawn parallels between local issues of police violence and military actions in Palestine. This movement emphasizes solidarity between oppressed communities, linking local struggles with broader ambitions for liberation.

School of the Americas

Now known as WHINSEC, was established to maintain U.S influence in Latin America during the Cold War. It trained soldiers from various Latin American countries to combat communism. Many of these trained soldiers were later implicated in severe human rights abuses, such as massacres and assignations.

Rufina Amaya

The only survivor of the El Mozzetta Massacre during El Salvador’s Civil War. In her emotional testimony she describes the brutal killing of her family members and the atrocities committed by the military. Her accounts have profoundly impacted awareness about civil war and U.S. involvement in these events.

El Mozote Massacre

In December 1981, during the Salvadoran Civil War, the massacre resulted in over 900 civilian deaths, predominantly women and children. This horrific act was carried out by military forces who were trained at the U.S. military's School of the Americas. The massacre exemplifies the intense violence and oppression faced by civilians in the conflict.

Archbishop Oscar Romero

A prominent Catholic leader in El Salvador who spoke out for social justice during the civil war. He advocated for the rights of the poor and urged soldiers to disobey orders that violated moral principles. Romero was assassinated while celebrating Mass, becoming a martyr and a symbol of resistance against oppression.

Sanctuary Movement

Emerged in the 1980s as a response to U.S. policies that denied asylum to refugees fleeing violence in Central America. Faith-based organizations and activists provided shelter to these individuals, viewing it as a moral duty. This movement highlighted the intersection of religious values and political activism against unjust laws.

Father Luis Olivares

A Catholic priest who vocally protested the arrests of the LA 8, a group of activists. He actively supported immigrant rights during a time when Salvadoran and Guatemalan refugees faced political asylum denial. His commitment to social justice and advocacy for the marginalized marked his significant role in the Sanctuary Movement.

Carol Anderson/White Rage

The author of the influential book 'White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide. In her work, she examines how systemic racism and reactions against Black progress have shaped American history. Anderson argues that 'white rage' manifests through suppression and institutional inequality rather than overt violence.

Obama’a election sparked questions about his birth certificate.

Reagan and MAGA (Make America Great Again)

During Ronald Reagan's presidency, his administration supported right-wing authoritarian regimes in Central America, specifically in El Salvador and Guatemala. This included funding military units that committed severe human rights violations. Reagan's policies contributed to the violence and instability in these nations, echoing themes present in the later MAGA movement.

Liberation Theology

A Christian movement advocating for social justice and the rights of the impoverished. It emphasizes the importance of taking action against systems that perpetuate poverty and oppression. The movement gained traction among clergy and activists, including Archbishop Oscar Romero, who fought for marginalized communities.

Father Roy Bourgeois and School of the Americas Watch (SOAW)

The founder of the School of the Americas Watch (SOAW), established to protest against the SOA's role in human rights abuses. His activism gained attention through various protests, beginning with a hunger strike in 1990. SOAW continues to organize annual protests to honor victims of violence and advocate for justice.

School of the Americas Awareness Week

A series of events paying tribute to the victims of the SOA's human rights abuses. It commemorates the 1989 massacre of Jesuit priests in El Salvador, organized through protests and educational activities. Activists use this time to advocate against military training that leads to violence and repression.

Bernadette Godinez

A key organizer during the School of the Americas Awareness Week at UCSB in 2005. She performed a dramatic reenactment of the El Mozote massacre and shared Rufina Amaya's testimony. As a single mother, her dedication to activism despite personal challenges showcases her commitment to raising awareness.

Sacrificial Activism

Refers to high-risk actions taken by activists, such as hunger strikes and civil disobedience, often causing significant personal hardship. These acts aim to shine a light on injustices and challenge systemic oppression. This form of activism highlights the importance of using personal experiences to foster societal change.

Casas de Cartón

The term 'Casas de Cartón' refers to cardboard houses, representing the poverty faced by marginalized communities. In activism and literature, it symbolizes families living in vulnerable conditions. The imagery emphasizes resilience amidst hardship and the urgent need for systemic change.

Voces Inocentes

A film used during UCSB's School of the Americas Awareness Week to educate students about the Salvadoran Civil War. It depicts how the war deeply affected children and families, resonating with survivors' stories like Rufina Amaya's. The film serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness about historical injustices.

Oscar Torres

A Salvadoran refugee whose life inspired the movie Voces Inocentes. His experiences shed light on the recruitment of child soldiers during El Salvador's Civil War. Through storytelling, Torres aims to honor the resilience of those affected by the conflict and advocate for peace.

Proposition 187

Also known as the Save Our State initiative, was a controversial California ballot measure in 1994. It aimed to deny public services to undocumented immigrants, reflecting rising anti-immigrant sentiment. Although ultimately nullified, it serves as a historical symbol of xenophobia and sparked resistance movements.

Jose Angel Gutierrez and One-Stop Immigration

A prominent Chicano activist and political leader who founded the La Raza Unida Party. He advocates for Mexican-American empowerment and comprehensive immigration reform. The One-Stop Immigration initiative seeks to simplify immigration processes while offering support to immigrant communities.

Antonia Hernandez

A notable lawyer and civil rights activist who led the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). She played a crucial role in advancing Latino civil rights, focusing on areas like voting rights, education, and employment. Her work has made a lasting impact on the struggle for social justice.

Culture Clash

a performance group known for its socially conscious productions that blend humor and satire. Their work addresses important issues such as racism, immigration, and identity through storytelling. By drawing on lived experiences, they challenge stereotypes and provoke thought among audiences.

Tree of Life Synagogue

Synagogue in Pittsburgh was known for its support of Central American and Syrian refugees. On October 27, 2018, it became the site of a tragic mass shooting motivated by antisemitic hate. The incident highlights the rise of white nationalist violence and the challenging environment faced by minority groups.

El Paso Wal-Mart Shooting

Occurred on August 3, 2019, when a white supremacist killed 23 people, nearly all of whom were Latinos. The shooter claimed his actions were driven by a belief that Hispanics were 'invading' Texas. This horrific act underscored the dangers posed by hateful ideologies and the impact of political rhetoric.

McDonald’s Massacre (San Ysidro)

Occurred in 1984 when a white supremacist killed 22 people, primarily of Mexican descent. The perpetrator expressed hostility towards Mexicans, blaming them for job loss. This incident was one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history and reflects systemic issues surrounding race and violence.

Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES)

CISPES was formed at California State University, Los Angeles (SULA) in 1980 to support the Salvadoran people during their civil war. The organization opposed U.S. military aid to the Salvadoran government, which was involved in severe human rights violations. CISPES became influential in raising awareness and mobilizing activism around these issues.

Angela Sanbrano

A prominent activist known for her work with CISPES and in advocacy for immigrant rights. Her efforts targeted the need for social justice and peace initiatives in Central America. Through her dedication, she contributed significantly to the sanctuary movement, which defended Central American migrants during the 1980s.

Anti-apartheid movement

Movement gained traction during the 1980s, encouraging student activism against South African apartheid. This movement intersected with solidarity efforts for Central America, creating a larger platform for advocating for marginalized communities. Student-led initiatives sought divestment and raised awareness about global injustices.

Rigoberta Menchu

An Indigenous Guatemalan activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who advocates for the rights of Indigenous peoples. She condemned the atrocities committed during Guatemala's civil war, where many of her family members were killed. Her memoir, I, Rigoberta Menchu, brought international attention to the struggles of Indigenous communities.

Operation Gatekeeper

A U.S. border enforcement initiative launched in 1994. Aimed at reducing illegal immigration, it increased surveillance and fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border. As a result, migrants have been forced into dangerous desert areas, leading to numerous deaths in the years following its implementation.

North American Free Trade Agreement

Implemented in 1994, was designed to eliminate trade barriers between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. While it boosted trade, it also displaced many Mexican farmers and contributed to job losses in U.S. manufacturing. Critics argue that it benefited corporations at the expense of workers and communities.

Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN)

(EZLN) emerged in 1994 in Chiapas, Mexico, opposing the Mexican government's neoliberal policies. The movement is predominantly led by Indigenous farmers who fight for their rights and autonomy. Their declaration of war on the same day NAFTA went into effect highlighted their resistance to globalization.

Year of the Boomerang

This terms signifies the moment when oppressed communities rise up against their oppressors. It reflects resistance movements, including the actions of the EZLN and other labor activists. The phrase originates from a song by Rage Against the Machine, emphasizing the struggles against colonialism and oppression.

1993 UCLA Hunger Strike

The 1993 hunger strike was part of a movement advocating for educational equity and the expansion of ethnic studies. Protestors used hunger as a non-violent method to demand respect and inclusion for marginalized groups. The strike highlighted systemic inequalities in higher education.

False vs. true generosity

In Paulo Freire's analysis, ——— refers to superficial attempts to address demands for equity. In contrast, ——— involves meaningful actions that empower the oppressed. This distinction critiques institutional responses that do not address deeper systemic views.

Cindy Montanez

Participated in the hunger strike at UCLA, which led to the establishment of the Chicana and Central American Studies Department. She became known for her activism and leadership among fellow students. Later, she made history by becoming the youngest person elected to the California State Legislature.

1994 UCSB Hunger Strike

The 1994 hunger strike was organized by students to demand enhanced support for Chicano Studies and marginalized communities. It included demands for more faculty and opposed tuition hikes. This pivotal moment underscored the ongoing struggle for representation and equity in higher education.

El Centro Arnulfo Casillas

Serves as a vital space for organizing and supporting Chicano and Latino students. It has faced threats due to budget cuts but remains crucial for activism, community gatherings, and cultural events. The center embodies hope, welcoming students to unite against injustice.

Naomi Garcia

A key participant in the 1989 UCSB Hunger Strike, advocating for better representation of Chicano/a students. She was deeply upset by the non-retention of a beloved mentor, prompting her activism. Her leadership helped amplify the voices of students seeking change.

Alma Flores

A critical figure in the 1994 UCSB hunger strike. She played a significant role in drafting demands and negotiating with the administration, emphasizing broader goals of addressing systemic inequalities. Her leadership highlighted the hunger strike’s intersectional focus, advocating for educational equity and better support for marginalized communities.

Oscar Gomez Jr.

A dedicated UCSB student whose tragic death in 1994 galvanized activism for educational equity. He actively participated in student councils, marking his commitment to addressing inequality on campus. His memory continues to inspire student-led efforts for change

1968 North Hall Computer Center Takeover

In October 1968, members of the Black Student Union at UCSB occupied the computer center to demand greater representation and equity. They sought the establishment of Black Studies and increased hiring of Black faculty. This occupation marked a significant turning point in the university's history for diversity efforts.

Zoraida Reyes

A transgender Latinx UCSB student who took part in civil disobedience for immigrant rights. On May 27, 2014, she bravely joined others to protest outside an immigration detention center. Her involvement reflects the struggles for visibility and rights among queer and immigrant communities.

Spectacular Speech

Refers to the powerful and performative aspects of hunger strikes used by activists. By abstaining from food, hunger strikers create a strong visual message that draws attention and often provokes moral outrage.This form of activism emphasizes the physical body as a means of resistance and a call to action.

Alice Paul

A prominent suffragist who utilized hunger strikes as a tactic to fight for women's voting rights in the early 20th century. While imprisoned, she faced harsh treatment, including force-feeding. Her resilience became a symbol of determination and commitment to achieving gender equality.

Bare Life, better life, precarity

These terms relate to social theories about vulnerability and the human experience. '———' refers to a condition of existence stripped of rights and social protections. In contrast, '———' expresses aspirations for improved conditions, while ——— highlights the lived instability faced by marginalized groups.

Critical Race Theory and counter-storytelling

Examines how racism is woven into laws and societal structures. It serves as a framework to understand systemic inequality. Counter-storytelling is a method used in ethnic studies to highlight the experiences of marginalized communities, challenging dominant narratives and providing honest perspectives.

Immigrant Youth Movement and DREAMERS narrative

This movement advocates for the rights of undocumented youth in the U.S., particularly those eligible for the DREAM Act. The DREAMERs narrative focuses on their resilience and contributions to society. It calls for pathways to citizenship and counters negative stereotypes associated with immigrants.

AB 101

A California law requiring high school students to complete an ethnic studies course for graduation, starting with the Class of 2029. This legislation aims to educate students about the histories and contributions of marginalized communities. It was seen as a significant achievement following decades of student activism.

Tiffany Willoughby Heard

An associate professor of African American Studies who was arrested during a protest against genocide in Gaza. She faced misdemeanor charges for her involvement in civil disobedience. Her activism highlights the intersection of academic engagement and social justice.

Father Greg Boyle and Homeboy Industries

The founder of Homeboy Industries, which helps former gang members reintegrate into society through job training and counseling. His organization focuses on breaking cycles of poverty and violence. Boyle's work emphasizes the importance of compassion and community support for marginalized individuals.