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Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Bad or otherwise useless advice to avoid in the pursuit of The American Dream:
1. All you need to do is work hard & you will achieve whatever you desire.
Since Mexicans were Mexicans they have been building the United States. Yes, some move up the social ladder, others were born w/ some privilege. As for the majority... More importantly, the economic system of free enterprise depends on someone being at the bottom.
2. Every immigrant group must pay their dues.
People of Spanish origin in the Southwest are not immigrants. Until 1848 it was Mexico. This is a very long time to be paying dues.
3. Racism is a fabrication. Learn English and you'll do all right.
Ask any African American or Native American if they would agree.
4. Assimilate (i.e. act white) and obey the law and you'll be treated equally and fairly as an American.
Ever gotten stopped by the chota?
5. Work hard and you'll be substantially rewarded.
Yeah. That's why a law had to be passed that if an employer called the migra on his workers before paying them, he'd have to pay them b4 they got deported. It was a long time convenient way that gringos had to get free labor.
6. There's no such thing as discrimination. Ungrateful "Chicanos' made that up in the 70s pretending they were part of the Black or indio movements in this country.
If it wasn't for the Chicano Movement the discrimination against Mexican workers today would be very further compounded. The Chicano Movement advanced the cause on behalf of all Latin Americans as well as all oppressed peoples in the world. Like Gore thinking he was a better 'citizen' than Bill and distanced himself from Clinton during his campaign and lost--new immigrant/migrants should take a moment in reviewing recent U.S. history and see who their allies are based on mutual goals. Instead of throwing their chips in with 'the American Dream' gringo version, they might want to learn how they are indebted for the countless U.S. Mexican born who have worked on their behalf. And are still working.
7. This is the U.S.; bilingual education has no place here.
Spanish is guaranteed by the Treaty of Guadalupe. Like all the treaties the U.S. government signed with Native Americans it has been grossly violated. However, this does not mean the Treaty of Guadalupe is invalid. It means that English-Only Laws in former Mexico are invalid. As for the hard earned bilingual education programs--how self-loathing and fearful can people be who are Spanish speaking immigrants and are fighting to teach their children only English?
8. The "Chicanos" saw and see themselves as victims. Distance yourself from them if you want to succeed in this country and just work hard.
Only through political activism are laws changed. As we work toward our goal to become a democracy (we are not there yet even if in comparison to places like Afganistan and North Korea it looks like paradise here) it is only by voicing your under-representation does legislature change. On the other hand, silence and assimilation are complacency.
9. Women who call themselves 'feminists,' or 'Chicanas,' are just angry women. Obviously they have never known the kindness of a good man. And they are the ones who are racist against all the other people who make this world a wonderful rainbow.
We'll wait for the memoir to see as to whether or not Ana Castillo ever knew the kindness of a good man (or a few) but regarding the definition of racism, let's get it straight. Racism can only be applied by those in power. If your group is not in power you may have some discriminatory or prejudicial views against others, especially those people in your experience who have treated you poorly. But you have no power over them. Therefore you may discriminate to the best of your ability but you are not a racist.
Speaking of learning English, let's learn what these terms actually mean.
10. You only have to work hard and you can make it.
Uh yeah, back across the border for next time they need you...
Or better yet, stick around a few generations as a "Mexican." Check out any U.S. border town and see how much Mexican/Hispanics are enjoying the American Dream.
posted by Ana on 7/08/2008
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Interview on the run
[Frequently asked questions]
Q: Miss Castillo! Is that really you? Oh my God. I knew it was you. I said to myself, is that Ana Castillo over there playing those one cent slot machines? I recognized you from a poster my moms keeps in her office.
A: It’s was a one dollar machine and I wasn't playing the slot machines. I was trying to get my friend to stop.
Q: Great, great. Hey! For the benefit of our readers, do you think I could ask you a few questions? I mean, I don’t want to interrupt if you’re in the middle of something important.
A: Unless by interrupt anything you mean my life, then no, I’m not busy. Go for it.
Q: Great. Uh, well, let’s see. Man. I’m kinda nervous. Oh yeah, I know. I’ve got a question for you. Are you working on something now?
A: Yes. A new bathroom.
Q: Huh? Oh, ha. Okay. Cool. But that's not really you working, I mean, you're probably watching over some guys at your house back in Chicago installing the plumbing or whatever.
A: No. I meant I am working on a new bathroom.
Q: Anyway, what I meant was-- are you writing a new book?
A: Always. It's an addiction. Kind of like the one some of these people here have in the casino but with a bigger rush. That's one reason I've never been into drugs, despite what people think of my generation.
Q: Yeah, yeah. I know. You're probably gonna say you just tried it once or twice in college, like Obama, right?
A: Lil gal, you don't want to interview me about what I've tried once or twice. That's not for public consumption. Let's stick to my books. Anyway, I started something earlier this year, which I’m anxious to get back to. It’ll be a novel.
Q: Far out.
A: Far out?
Q: Well, I've been watching all those old George Carlin performances. Man, that guy was funny and so smart...
A: I agree. I remember when I went to see him in concert back when I was in college.
Q: Wow. Man. Well, yeah. That guy was pretty old, huh? Listen,do you have a minute? Can you tell our audience anything about your new project? What it’s about, I mean. You got a title yet?
A: “Waiting for Gordo”
Q: Isn’t that title taken already?
A: I don’t think so.
Q: Cool. No disrespect. It just sounded sort of familiar. Hey, are you still painting?
A: I haven’t had a chance for a while but I’m feeling the urge. It’s safe to say I’ll be back to the canvas this summer.
Q: Wow. That’s so cool that you’re so creative. How many books have you written? I mean, my mother used to read your books when she was young and in college.
A: I don't know the exact number.
Q: I meant, how many have you published?
A: Still don’t know.
Q: Hey, uh, speaking of Obama, do you mind telling us who you're gonna vote for? I mean at my house everyone's all for themselves. Some want Obama. Others are for McCain--I guess they want to keep the war going. I mean, I know it's not a war but my cousin, Eric was killed in Iraq anyway. My mom says she's gonna write in Gore's name on her ballot.
A: Yeah, those of us who voted for him should have run out in the street to riot eight years ago with the Bush coup but many new voters were in middle school back then. It's ancient history. Every new generation bears an extremely low tolerance for the past generation's mistakes. But your mom should reconsider and make her vote count. It's our deluded right in a country still about a hundred years away from becoming a true democracy. That's if the species is still around.
Q: Huh? Oh yeah, you like to talk about all that. My mom has that book that you made, The Massacre of the Dreamer. I mean, like she read it all the way through.
A: It's Massacre of the DreamerS. There was more than one dreamer...
Q: Yeah, well, anyway, one last pregunta, if you don't mind. I don’t want to keep you from stopping your friend from spending all her loose change..heh-heh. But uh, okay—I got another good question. What’s your writing process?
A: Interesting turn of phrase. I’m not sure what you mean by ‘process.” Do you mean like cheese? How do I churn out the writing or how do I get a book completed or how do I come up with the ideas to write or what is m ‘writing day’ like? How do I decide what will be poetry and what will be a story or a play?
Q: Uh…who’s doing the interview here, anyway? Like I said, it was my mother who read you in college…
A: And what did you read in college?
Q: I was a computer science major.
A: No English 101 or Humanities 101 required courses to coerce you into reading imaginative literature? No p.c. required courses to make you choose between an ethnic studies, women studies or world lit course? Any kind of forced motivation by the state college system to get you to read outside a Mac manual?
Q: You know I heard you were difficult…aloof.
A: Aloof means detached not difficult. Who said I was difficult?
Q: See what I mean? My moms did, actually. I don't wanna bust her but she told us she went to one of your book readings one time, back in the day and she waited in a long line for you to sign her book.
A: And then I didn't sign it? That doesn't sound like me.
Q: No. You signed it. She got a picture with you and everything.
A: I'm not sure then what her complaint was.
Q: Me neither. I think she just thought you and she could have become friends or something and then you just signed her book. Anyway, I think you’d better get back to your friend over there by the slot machine. It looks like she’s trying to kick the crap out of it.
A: Well, that’s what happens when you try to rip off a Xicana.
Q: OHHHH! That reminds me. I did have a question, me and my friends asked ourselves this but maybe you can give us YOUR answer? What’s a Xicana anyway? I mean, we call ourselves Hispanic and sometimes Latina. Me, personally I like to say American but then, like everyone always asks where I’m from, man. That's not cool.
A: Where are you from?
Q: Right here, dude. Las Vegas. My family's from Bakersfield. But my parents came out here to start a business. My dad builds swimming pools. My mom teaches elementary. Anyway, what do you think Xicana means?
A: That’s easy. Read my books, girl.
Q: Huh? Oh yeah, right, okay. I got you. Sure. You wanna sell some books. That's understandable, like we all gotta make a living, right? Which one would you recommend?
A: All of them.
Q: Cool. Peace.
A: And peace be with you too...
Q: Aww, Ana, dude, I didn't mean it like we were in mass or anything. Oh, never mind. I can't wait to post this on my MySpace page. Anyway. Well, bye, Ana Castillo! I can't wait til I tell my moms I met you. We usually just meet up with celebrities--me and my dad when we come by the hotels to work on the pools...
A: That's fine. Hey, you dropped your wrench.
Ana Castillo 7/2008/USA ©
(What yesterday's 'bubble' was supposed to read.:-))
Document2.docDocument2.doc
posted by Ana on 7/05/2008
Friday, July 04, 2008
July 4th--Mexican workers make ur holidays happen.
Someone told me that Las Vegas is like a sanctuary city--undocumented would-be workers know if they make it to w/in those city's limits, they're safe. Hey, somebody has to keep the underpinnings of Vegas moving smoothly. And there are jobs for anyone--not just the expected chambermaid and buser jobs but the "British castle guard" at the Venitian had a distinct mestizo je ne c'est quoi, the hotel managers and casino dealers. And speaking of the casinos, it's well known that a highway is being built from Anaheim directly to the famed adult playground but for Pete's sake, it ain't Disneyland. I'm w/ Hugh Hefner, there's a place for family values and it ain't Vegas. Nevertheless, there you have it, young families strolling their babies through casinos, dazed pre-teens following along as dad and mom drop their pocket of quarters in machines that don't dole out quarter returns anymore but let you lose them all unless you want to cash out and who bothers doing that unless they hit it rich.
Took a few days off from 6 months of non-stop work related travel, book research, teaching and public appearances. (Uh, did I say 6 months? Can we roll it over from last fall?)
A long hot summer of writing ahead 4 moi and then we're all off and running with a presidential election this fall--
& Ana la Amazona w/ a new paperback in hand--in case you were waiting for the cheaper edition--it's what you might call, a 'timely' story.
Obama is moving toward a centralist position and he is bound to disappoint many of those who were behind him. But McCain is not an alternative. Bill Clinton ran as a centralist and he set the stage. You could hardly tell the Dem from the Rep during Bill Clinton's campaigning.
(Asian) India and China on the rise as world players. (Racism be damned when you know how to make a dollar.)
Russia fell apart, Castro is dying and China has a billion workers to keep at below minimum wage.
Middle East has the oil business sewed today. Thanks Bush family.
Drug and body trafficking are the biggest world business and subsidize a lot more than just extreme guerrilla fighters in South America.
And while I am not in the business of making psychic predictions, political or otherwise, the years to come see low if any wage raises for working mexicans whether in US., Mexico, or in Europe...but the upside is, you can look forward to the spread of taquerías everywhere in the world... If nothing else, the world loves our tacos.
Ana Castillo copyright 2008.
posted by Ana on 7/04/2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
U.S.-Mexican Border since 1848 the new Afganistan?
But wait! Aren't we still 'fighting' those tenacious Talibanes?
Beheadings seem to be coming back in fashion. Maybe the School of the Americas training held a course 'in case' of civil unrest?
The hit list grows in Juárez with decapitations, shoot-outs in broad daylight, kidnappings and yes, many victims caught up in crossfire. Most recently the cuñada of U.S. Senator Silvestre Reyes whose influence managed to free the Mexican family member.
It's a paramilitary atmosphere. Nothing new in Latin America.
I do imagine if the relatives of more U.S. Washington officials were kidnapped or otherwise, we might actually start seeing the selling of drugs in our schools and streets decline.
As for me, against the advice of my (very unconnected and politically non-relevant) loved ones, I was in Juárez doing what I had to do. But don't worry, gente, I'm always ready.
Mexicans always are.
posted by Ana on 6/27/2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
If it's mid-June it must be Ireland and still her birthday!
(I know I should've had a Guiness but...)
(Lasses go a-pubbing after a little souvenir shopping at a Carroll's)
(They must be Irish from Taylor Street, Chicago...) 
(There are Irish wool sweaters and then there's...) 
Happy Birthday, Doña:
Jiggin' at the Arlington Hotel in Dublin
posted by Ana on 6/23/2008
10th International Short Story in English Conference--
What we may all conclude (or what I concluded after my own reading and panel, when we know yours truly used the 2 languages she writes in) is that there is no such thing as a monolingual society no matter what official language legislation is passed anywhere in the world! No argument from the Irish there, of course.
(The title of the panel was What Is It To Be An American Writer? but ended w/ q & a about how Mexicans are being treated in the U.S.--and the Wall. Hmm. I wonder who got that topic going?)
(It's a conference where 'egos are to be 'left at the door,' the director told the group at the conference banquet--where it doesn't matter if you've written a short story or are thinking about writing a short story. After the East and West Coast events I attended this spring, it's a nice enough sentiment to hold indeed. Nevertheless, I can say--it's a conference where modest as they may be, some brilliant women--desde España a Lisboa and yes, even one or two 'ever-controversial 'American' writer meet eye to eye. 
(Triskel Arts Centre--after my 3 hour writing workshop w/ Irish women writers (& one Caribeña who attended the conference), Robert Owen Butler followed up with his--great attendance, great fun, hard work despite pouring rain that day (thus the red slicker.)
(Reception for the Writers' Conference folks at Cork's City Hall.)
(Unidentified woman w/ the Lord Mayor of Cork having a 'word'?)
posted by Ana on 6/23/2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
THE FELICIDADES DE LA CUMPLEANHERA CONTINUAN--
DIAS LINDOS EN MI PUEBLO NATIVO
CHI-TOWN.
A FABULOUS MEAL AT A NEW CARDUCCIS--
A CELEBRATORY CANOLI (MUCH FANCIER THAN THE ONES I GREW UP W/ ON TAYLOR STREET AND I WILL SAY NOT AS GOOD AS IN THE OLD DAYS BUT HERE WE ARE IN THE NEW CENTURY WHERE WONDERFUL CITIES IN THE WORLD ARE MORE LEGEND THAN WHAT THEY ONCE WERE...
WHICH BRINGS ME TO MY NEXT STOP: IRELAND.
I AM SURE THERE WILL BE MORE THAN ONE DUBLINER WHO'LL AGREE WITH MY PREVIOUS SENTIMENT.
NEVERTHELESS, A-PUBBING WE WILL GO.
SALUDOS TOD@S MIS AMIG@S QUERIDOS.
FOR THE TIME BEING WE TAKE A BREAK FROM DWELLING OVER A PLANET THAT NEEDS ALL OUR LOVE.
posted by Ana on 6/12/2008
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Happy, Happy Birthday, Baby!
What do you do when ONCE AGAIN your flight has been cancelled, non-challantly? If you have an 'angel,' he gets you out of the 100 degree El Paso temps and you both duck into the nearest theatre, buy a tub of pop corn and watch the 2 hour length continuation of Sex & the City.
How many manly men would be up for that? Well, the one w/ me counted precisely 3 in the theatre, I don't know how we're defining manly men but the 3 there seemed to enjoy the unbelievable cliché quartet.
I won't spoil it for you if you were a closet fan of the show, ok, I will, because it's my b-day month and I get to do what I want.
Instead of Steve cheating on Miranda they should have had her cheating on him w/ a woman and give a wink-wink to the audience.
Good for Samantha, the blond, d*** loving bomb shell whom I never believed would bother having 'girlfriends' much less Park Ave. girl, enough said about the one whose name I can't even remember.
The Sicilian wedding planner & Carrie's eccentric dresser gay friend give each other a quick kiss on New Year's Eve as if they were the last 2 gay men on earth and can't believe it. I guess that's millennea gay but in my day it wouldn't have stopped at a 14 yr.old peck at the strike of midnight. Unless you belong to the Christian fundamentalist right...
50-year-old Samantha is bitch slapped by a gay man and 'the girls' (except 40 pound Carrie, every girl's best friend, of course) for having put on a few pounds after breast cancer (in the show) and menapause (in real life), while in real life she has been indeed involved w/ a young man--a chef and good for her if she's enjoyed his cooking...
As for Carrie: Ever since she became executive producer of the show I think she was writing her personal fantasy. The kind of man who would love her in a fantasy life.
Fantasy, fantasy, fantasy, like in the 30s when people were scrounging around for their next meal for their families, Hollywood fed them rags to riches stories. That's the scoop, kids, whether you want to believe or not while you're considering siphoning out your neighbors gas to get to work tomorrow.
And when I saw a stroller, baby in tow, papi pushing it across me in the front aisle, over size Chicana mama leading her family in the see the show, or when I heard a child, about 8 at the box office telling her mom she wanted to see
Uh, yeah, about my books...
When do you think this old broad will write her Carrie Bradshaw equivalent quasi memoirs?
Sex en la Ranchería.
The truth is I don't think my own 'romantic' life is anybody's business. Not that anybody cares...uh-huh. Never was. Not relevant now.
Suffice to say, someone took these photos when I got back home, bags packed, ready to try flying out again mañana. But like Senator Clinton has proven, for better or worse (for her) about women of our generation, it ain't over until you say it's over. (Keep that in mind, chiquitas.)
posted by Ana on 6/08/2008