Az Eszterházy Károly Tanárképző Főiskola Tudományos Közleményei. 1996. [Vol. 3.] Eger Journal of American Studies. (Acta Academiae Paedagogicae Agriensis : Nova series ; Tom. 23)

STUDIES - András Tarnóc: Ethnic Consciousness in Chicano Literature: The Voice of "La Raza".

displacement. As the poet draws a parallel between the sparrows and Mexican migratory patterns two main elements of the migrant experience: territorial dispossession and powerlessness are emphasized (Pérez—Torres 105). Ricardo Sanchez's "migrant lament" presents the "migrant" in a more aggressive light fighting two enemies: the oppressive gringo and the clergy tolerating poverty. In his view the seasonal agricultural laborer becomes an agent in the construction of a new world. Tino Villanueva's "Que hay otra voz" poems provide a detailed description of the migrant laborer's day and present the character as an integral part of nature (Shirley and Shirley 23). Following Anaya's description of Chicano consciousness, the migrant as a literary figure displays several elements of the New World Person. The shared difficulties, "the sweat day-long dripping into open space/sun blocks the sky" create a sense of brotherhood, and a sympathy for the oppressed. Furthermore, the work in the fields develops an appreciation for nature. The migrant becomes alienated, plagued by an "orphan complex," not being quite home in either culture. However, as an economic actor and a contributor to the sustenance of mainstream America he exuberates ethnic pride, dignity and humanity. The "migrant" is the symbol of economic dislocation and cultural deterritorialization as he works on a land previously owned by his forebears, and sells his labor to support a foreign civilization. The pinto, or the prisoner is the second principal type of Chicano literature. The Mexican-American as a prisoner reflects the violence of Chicano existence. Following the footsteps of Gregorio Cortez and Jacinto Trevino, confrontations and border violence are decribed, but in this clash between Anglo and Mexican the latter loses. As Pérez— Torres points out while "the migrant" symbolizes the struggle to enter America, drawn by the images of the promised land: the MexicanAmerican Dream, the pinto experience describes the nightmare, a feeling of being ensnared by America (115). Ricardo Sánchez speaks loudest of the pinto experience highlighting the feeling of alienation and dehumanization. In "Soledad" 75