tructuring many of their works. So we can infer from Rebolledos quote that Cervantes view was not only shaped by her experiences as a Chicano, but also from time spent watching her mothers generation and her grandmothers generation lead their lives in what may be called a sub-serviant fashion, to the men of their society.As a final reference point to the view that Cervantes poem reflects the key elements of Chicano nationalism, I quote the last line in the eighth stanza, Every day I am deluged with reminders that this is not my land and this is my land. This one line from the poem exemplifies almost all tenants of our previously defined term, Chicano nationalism. With this line, Cervantes is claiming her heritage that, like her ancestors land, has been stolen. It can also allude to the fact that the political concerns of the Chicano (the right to their land) have been marginalized, or set aside by the United States government, which can also be viewed as oppression by the Anglo community. Cervantes desire to reclaim her ancestors land can also allude to a desire for a sense of community. And of course, Cervantes is also staking her claim to her natural right to follow her roots, roots that long ago were set beneath the earth that our nation resides on. The search for ones roots is a common theme among Chicano nationalist poems, but perhaps no other poem embodies that idea better than Corky Gonzales I am Joaquin. In this poem, Gonzales sets out to find the true meaning of being a Chicano in modern day society, and in the process, realizes that modern day society has no place for the Chicano. It presents only a space for those that are willing to assimilate and disregard their heritage; I must choose between the paradox of victory in the spirit, despite physical hunger, or to exist in the grasp of American social neurosis, sterilization of the soul and a full stomach. Gonzales is claiming here, that the society that has been developed in...
