There is a new biography in stores this week. It tells the tale of tough and draconian leader who used organized crime to accomplish his goals. This biography takes what we thought we knew about a man, and gives us the dark background of accomplishments. This book, and the controversy it will stir up, will probably sell very well.
There is also new film premiering this weekend. The protagonist of the film is a strong, courageous hero that stands up for what he believes in and saves thousands of people. He is more than a hero, as he transcends those clichés. He is a folk legend and cultural icon. Yet, I have a feeling that very few people outside the southwestern part of the United States will even recognize his name, let alone watch the film. That is a shame.
The biography is The Crusades of Cesar Chavezby Miriam Pawel. This biography ignores the “hero” label we have placed on Chavez, and examines the dark shady side of the Union’s battle for the farmworkers movement. Pawel exposes several flaws in our hero including his stance against illegal immigration, his involvement with bribing police officers, and his connection to vigilante hooligans who worked for him. Pawel also reports first-hand accounts on how Chavez proclaimed himself “king” and You know, typical union stuff.
The biography is scheduled for release on March 25th. I will be picking up this title because it fascinates me to see the entire spectrum of a person. I am not really sure if this biography “villifies” Chavez because I have not read it yet. As I was reading the descriptions from articles in the L.A. Times, I was reminded of two other historical figures: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X. Two men who fought for the same cause with fundementally different beliefs. Perhaps Chavez represented a reincarnation of both pholosophies. I am not sure how that makes me feel, besides confused.
You want to know the true heroic story of a migrant worker and how they live and what their life is like? Dark side and all? The Circuit by Francisco Jimenez recounts his life as a migrant child. Told in short intertwined stories Jimenez describes the life of impermanence and despair. This is not The Grapes of Wrathdust bowl era. It is not set in the great depression. This was published in 1997. This does not glorify anyone or convey any kind of hero worship. It is the plain truth that is life for those that Cesar Chavez fought for. One of my favorite narratives.
Personally, Cesar Chavez, specifically what he stood for and his means of accomplishing those goals is a hero of mine. I live in a city where Chavez’s name is seen on street signs and the front of schools. His image is plastered, painted, posted, and published everywhere. In California his birthday is recognized as a state holiday. The United States Post Office recognized him with a commemorative stamp. I liken him to Martin Luther King Jr. who also fought for civil rights. Did I know about this “dark side” of my hero? No. Do I believe it? I am sure that every hero has a dark side. The truth of the matter is that we need heroes. We all have flaws and vices, but very few of us have the power, or even the balls enough, to stand up for a cause.
http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-ca-jc-miriam-pawel-20140323,0,7389504.story#axzz2wnpQfVeR
Even if our " hero's " have a dark side I admire the fact that they do whatever it takes to fight for what they believe in. How many of us will do whatever it takes to take a stand and follow our heart?
ReplyDelete