Assignment 21 - I am Joaquin, Rasquache and Chicano Cinema, Hispanic Hollywood celebrities

Note: Corky González's epic poem is part of Hispanic cinema history. Chicano genre movies followed these epic poem that became a film. Several terms were derived from these experiences. These terms are uniquely Chicano or Mexico Americano. See how you think these terms impacted the civil rights movement in Texas, the American Southwest and California.

Part I: Read Corky González's epic poem "I Am Joaquin" (find it online) and discuss Luis Valdez's film by the same name. Parts of the film are online but it is described in the text. Talk about the "significance" of both these important works.

Part II: On page 167 there is a description of how a Chicano film can be identified. Do you agree? Briefly and succinctly discuss the rise of Chicano cinema and its roots. Discuss the "three waves" of Chicano cinema revealed by Charles Ramírez Berg. Identify some of the movies that can be attributed to each "wave." You may reach your own conclusion and list your own movies in this answer.

Part III: Discuss, briefly and succinctly, Rasquache Cinema. What does c/s mean, according to the text. You may look for sources other than the book to answer this question, but it may be hard to find. If you need help with this, please call.

Part IV: Briefly discuss the careers of Hispanic Hollywood actors Myrtle González, Dolores Del Río, and at least two others from the list provided in this chapter or who have risen to stardom recently, i.e. America Ferrera. And, according to your book, what was the significance of Jennifer López 's portrayal of slain Tejano star Selena in the movie by the same name?