Assignment 9: The End…or is it?

“The gang of white rednecks beat up Ben Aguirre while [he was] in uniform. They left him for dead. The Mexican community got upset. The community started a collection but the businesses refused to donate. They put up signs that said ‘Aguirre is Mexican. Ask Mexicans for help.’ Many years later a tornado was going to hit the colonia but at the last moment, it veered away and jumped the Concho River. It swept away the Anglo neighborhood. They started a collection but the Mexican businesses put up signs, ‘Remember Ben Aguirre.’ The tornado was an act of God. Ask God for help.”

Over these last few weeks, I learned a great deal of Mexican-Americans during WWII. I never realized how many served in this war. According to authors Gonzales and Morin, it is hard to tell exactly how many served because at that time they were classified as white. But estimates range that about 250,000 to 750,000. From what I have read many settled on 500,000.

One thing is for sure, when WWII ended in 1945 many Latinos who served expected racial conditions for them to change after their service. Many Chicano servicemen felt a sense of entitlement after serving their country. Many, loss their life in that war and their next of kin also felt that discrimination had to be dealt with. In 1948, a controversy arose in Three Rivers, Texas. The remains of Felix Longoria who lost his life during the re-conquest of the Philippines were to be buried in his small hometown cemetery. His remains were turned away because he was a Mexican. After a media-storm and the intervention of the newly elected Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, Longoria was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Racism against Mexicans was very strong in the Southwest.

“‘American soldiers of Mexican descent,’ were denied service at all Anglo-Mexican barber shops and at the following establishments: ‘Dinette Café. Newport Café…Shadowland Café and Beer Parlors…Walgreen’s Drug Store…Uvalde Candy Store.’”

-Testimony from Author Alonso Perales, for a U.S. Senate Committee inquiring about Mexican-Anglo relationships in Texas 1945.

During my interview with Mrs. Rosa Maria Escobar she noted of three instances in her life in which she felt some sort of discrimination. When she spoke about these experiences in her life her voice went low and she often let out a soft sigh.The fist time she dealt with discrimination was when she applied and was denied entry to a private catholic high school in the Oakland area. I asked her how she felt about it, she said “I could not change people’s perceptions, if they don’t want me then someone else will.” When she was turned away a nun told her “You have a lot of nerve coming here don’t you see the color of your skin.” She went on to tell me about another experience during her childhood. Her father had died at the age of nine, leaving the family on welfare assistance, and a social worker would come to their house for visits. During one of those visits, the white social worker noticed an extra apple in their kitchen. According to Mrs. Escobar, there was only supposed to be two apples that were giving to family by social services but the family had three. The social worker questioned Mrs. Escobar and asked her if she stole it.

Another experience happened during her adult life. While filling out an employment application at a Temporary Work Agency, a white manager came over and asked her what was she doing? She replied, “I’m filling out this application, I want to work.” The manager then proceeded to say, “No you’re not I don’t want your type around here.”

We had a pleasant conversation that afternoon. Even though she faced adversity in her life she managed to provide for her mother, get married, and care for four children. During the war, she assisted Braceros with the circumstances of their daily life in America. She translated for them, bought and filled money orders out, went to the post office with them, and any other duties they needed assistance with. She had such an impact in their lives that when one of the Braceros went back to Mexico, he sent her a painting of the Virgin Mary. (The picture is above.) When she married it was to a former military man, Fidel, who was drafted into the war and served as a military officer for the United States Army. He passed several years ago, but Mrs. Escobar said that he was a nice man who would hardly discuss his war involvement.

I enjoyed the time I spent with her because I realized that she was an extraordinary woman, who worked hard for her family and the American Dream.

Over the weekend, I went to two Memorial Day celebrations in South San Francisco and in San Bruno National Cemetery. I met some interesting people and I even met a Latino WWII veteran in South San Francisco, who promised he would tell me his life story over a cup of coffee. (I hope he calls me). In San Bruno, I met a gentleman who I approached because I heard him speak Spanish to his wife. He told me, “Let me be frank with you my dear, I don’t like discussing my experiences during the war. It’s been very hard on me even today. I saw many bad things that I’ve had to live with for a very long time.” With that I pulled back continued some conversation and went on my way (Hey, I had to try).

The ceremonies were very nice. I saw grown men and women cry due to losses close to their heart. Some veterans were old and frail. Others with their clean cut salt and pepper hair stood up straight every time some sort of military song was played. And still, others with long hair and a scruffy face often stuck together. Those were some Vietnamn veterans. Next to me, I noticed a young private with a baby face no older than eighteen.

The cost of war reaches everybody, every color, and every one.

Before this journey, I did not know that 500,000 Latinos served in WWII. I did not know much about the treatment of Braceros or their lives in this country. I did not know about the Hayward Historical Society. I also did not know about Felix Longoria and that the first person to be drafted in Los Angeles was a Latino during WWII. I was unaware that many of those in the “Bataan Death March” were Latinos from the Southwest. I learned about Armando, a participant in the “Defend the Honor” campaign who stood up against Ken Burns and his mistake of omitting Latino veterans from his documentary “The War.” His family’s extensive involvement in WWII, gave Armando a sense of duty to speak and participate against the injustice of Ken Burns.

I think this history is relevant to society today. Many of these Latinos sacrificed for their country. Many historians credit this generation as laying the foundation for the Chicano Movement of the 1960s. Mexican-American organizations became prominent during this period. A new educated Latino was created due to the GI Bill.

I have enjoyed this journey and I leave with a new found respect for anyone has served in a war or through a war…

Gonzales, Manuel G. Mexicanos: A History of Mexicans in the United States. Indiana: Indiana University Press, 2009.

Moring, Raul. Among the Valiant: Mexican-Americans in WWII and Korea. California: Borden Publishing Company, 1966.

Meier, Matt S. and Ribera, Feliciano. Mexican Americans/American Mexicans: From Conquistadors to Chicanos. New York: Hills and Wange, 1993.

Rivas- Rodriguez, Maggie (Ed.). Mexican Americans & World War II. Texas: University of Texas press, 2005.

Interview with Rosa Maria Escobar. May 5,2010. San Leandro, CA.

Telephone interview with Mr. Armando Rendon. May 26, 2010. Berkeley/ South San Francisco, CA.

Assigment 8: My Story

For the past weeks, I have search for information on what was life like for the Chicanos in the Bay Area during WWII. I have realized a few things…

I understand that many ethnicities contributed to the success of the war. Whether it was on the home front or in combat many ethnicities were present. This blog was developed in order to understand the contributions that Latinos made. It is not designed to take away from anyone who served in the WWII.

Going on, I pose the question what does it mean to be an American? That question is answered differently by different people. For some it means to serve in the military for their country.

In my search, I have realized that Mexican-Americans played a significant role. They deserve to be noticed for their valor, work ethic, and their drive to be Americans. According to authors, Matt S. Meiner and Feliciano Ribera, “their valor helped them garner proportionally more military honor than any other ethnic group.” Below is a table that depicts WWII medals awarded to Hispanics. (I know, I know, its Wikipedia, but it was the best table that I could find on the internet.)

Hispanic Americans: U.S. Armed Forces Awards in World War II

Medal of Honor
13

Distinguished Service Cross
140

Navy Cross Medal
25

Legion of Merit
323

Silver Star
2006

Bronze Star
1352

Distinguished Flying Cross
55

Purple Heart
3378

Air Medal
237

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hispanic_Americans_in_World_War_II

I am still searching for someone to speak to about their service during this era. Yes, I know that it is difficult but something will come. I plan to look for some Memorial Day celebrations this coming weekend, hopefully I will find someone.

If I had an opportunity to put what I have done in a museum it would go as follows:

I.
First thing would be something visual. A white wall with projected images of Latinos during WWII. I would have a mixture of music of that era playing in the background.

II.
An area would be contributed to the Braceros. I would have their type of tools displayed, the crops they harvested, railroad artifacts, mining artifacts,pictures, and voiced narratives on their struggle and their lives.

III.
Another section would be contributed to the home front. Pictures of the dances at “Sweets” ballroom. Type of clothes that was worn would be displayed,the Zoot Suits, the dresses, pictures of women painting on their nylons, the fashions that were worn during this period.

IV.
The last section would be on the servicemen. Who they were, what they did, where they served, what branch, and why they did it. I would have uniforms, letters, pictures, voice narratives, type of struggles men faced.

V.
I would close with the backlash that Ken Burns created with his series “The War” and his neglect of including Latinos. I would include clips from “The War”,videos of the backlash, letters, and Ken Burns’s response to what happened.

I would like the patron to walk away from the exhibit feeling that Mexican-Americans were not invisible during WWII and they do deserve to be recognized just like everyone else.

Assignment 7: Overview, meditation, and still working…

Overall, the major themes I have discovered in this search of information are three:

1. Latinos in the Military

A.
Ready to prove their loyalty

B.
“Second -Class Citizens-“Severed in the military, but still faced discrimination in the United States.

2. The Latinos at home

A.
Many contributed to the war with personal sacrifices

i.
Rationing
ii.
Assisting with material drives, such as rubber and glass.

3. The Braceros

A.
Working class Mexicans brought from the Mexico to fill the labor shortages in industries like agriculture, railroads, and mining.

One of the themes, I have not really expanded on is number one, Latinos in the military. I am reading a book right now, Among the Valliant, by Raul Morin. It has given me a good perspective on Latino service. I am also in the middle of another book, this one by Maggie-Rivas. Her project, the Latino Oral History Project, is made up of interviews of Latino/a WWII veterans. Many of these veterans came from all sections of the country. They served with pride and distinction. Below is a website that I found which gives you the names, pictures, and backgrounds of Latino Medal of Honor winners from all the wars. You have to scroll down to see WWII winners of the medals:

http://www.homeofheroes.com/e-books/mohE_hispanic/index.html

It is an interesting to see that minorities fought to defend this country. There is a long legacy of Latino involvement in the wars of this country. The tradition of service sometimes left these soldiers proud Americans or left them to question the reason of their service, when at home they still faced discrimination. They have been the recipients of the Service Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star. In the coming weeks, I will do some more research on who won these medals. For now, my search goes on.

I will keep you informed on what I find…

Assignment 6: Rations in the Home Front

If you were alive during WWII and living in the Bay area and as well as the rest of the nation, you were forced to deal with a few changes that affected everyone including the Latinos…

The government of this country decided that its citizens should make small sacrifices for the benefit of the war. It made sure its boys in the Pacific and in Europe had enough cheese, meat, and milk. Laws like the Priorities and Allocation Act in 1940, and the Second War Powers Act in 1942, made it possible for goods to be rationed to the public. Commodities ranging from sugar to cars were allocated based on a system of red and blue colored coupons and certificates developed by the government. People were able to get sugar, coffee, and shoes through “Uniform” coupons, each item would cost the person one coupon. To get meats, cheese, processed foods, (you know the good stuff) a person had to use their “Points,” to buy these items. “Differential” coupons were used to buy gasoline or fuel oil. “Certificate” rationing applications were used to buy typewriters, cars, tires, and stoves. (Examples of the certificates are above.) These ration books were distributed by the teachers in the neighborhood schools. According to author Silvia Whitman, “each person was entitled to two pounds of sugar a month and three pairs of shoes a year.” People were allowed to earn bonus points if they saved bacon grease and other kitchen fats (which were used to make explosives) and dumped in scrap barrels. Many of the citizens had rubber and metal scrap drives in order to collect these materials for the government.

Women were encouraged to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs in their backyard “Victory Gardens.” It’s estimated that more that 20 million were planted in the U.S. in 1943. Many of the women canned their groceries in jars. Women’s fashions were also affected by the war. Mrs. Rosa Maria Escobar said many women painted on their nylons instead of purchasing them, because Uncle Sam needed the nylons to make parachutes. Everyone was doing their part to make the war machine continue and to win.

It was a bit difficult if you ask me. I find it very difficult to believe that today’s society would prosper under these conditions. Everyone would be upset. Look at how worked up they got about health care reform, the black outs in California in the early 2000s, and traffic.

Who wants the government telling them what to do and when to do it? I know I defiantly don’t. I want my coffee when I need it, when I want it that sometimes means three times a day.

Sylvia Whitman.V is for Victory: The American Home Front during World War II. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications Company, 1993.

American in World War II: The 1940s, Primary Sources in U.S. History. The Center for Learning. TAP Instructional Materials.

Interview with Rosa Maria Escobar. May 5,2010. San Leandro, CA.

Assignment 5: Los Compadres Restaurant in Hayward, Sweets Ballroom, and Disappointments

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Hey guys,

I went to the Hayward Historical Society again this week. Shout outs to the ladies, they came through and assisted me with the resources available.

Before I tell you what happened, I have another lady to thank. When I walked into the research room of the historical society, a woman was buried in what look like old books filled with newspaper clippings. She asked what I was working on, I told her, and she said for me to give her my contact information, in case something came up. I gave her my information and then we parted ways. A few days passed and she sent me some leads on where to get more information. I put some calls in and hopefully I will get something soon.

Thank you Sherry.

The Hayward Historical Society owns a book, “Life Stories: Voices from the East Bay Latino Community.” The book has biographical stories of some citizens of the East bay. One feature the book offers is an insight on social life of the bay areans. According to the book, one of the most popular gathering spots for Latinos was “Sweets Ballroom” in Oakland. Apparently the establishment has exchanged ownership, locations, and names, but the book listed an address of 1414 Franklin, Oakland, as the one in which many tardeadas, afternoon dances, were held. It was the place to socialize, impress, and possibly find romance.

“We went to Sweet’s Ballroom on 14th…where everybody went dancing...where all the swing dancing [took place]. You could wear your zoot suit there we saw all the big stars…like Charlie Barnett, Artie Shaw, Xavier Cugat.”It must have been an interesting place to be.

The Oakland museum had some Sweets Ballroom pictures on their website (posted above). There is still a Sweets in Oakland, but it is now on 1933 Broadway. I made the trip to see it and although, it is not the one the book discussed, it was still a wonderful theater. I have posted some pictures.

This week, I also went to the California Historical Society in San Francisco. I was very disappointed because I had e-mailed the organization about what I was doing and they said “sure come in.” Fought my way through the parking hassle of the city and when I finally arrived they said “we can’t help you.” Man that was such a letdown.

I also traveled to the San Leandro history room. Called in the morning to check if the room would be open. They said yes. Later in the evening, I arrived only to find the room closed due to a short staffing. Man that was not cool.

For the coming week, I plan to re-visit the San Leandro history room, look at some newspapers, and see what else I can kick around.

http://museumca.org/LHP/images/1_begin2pgs.pdf
http://museumca.org/LHP/elizabeth_sweets.htm
http://museumca.org/LHP/images/4_socialife.pdf
http://www.historicsweetsballroom.com/

Assignment 4: Searching for Information and Ken Burns

Hello there world.

I’m back in search of information. In search of life, in search for answers. It has been a bit a difficult week because I’ve been a bit sick but here it goes.
I visited the Hayward Historical Society this past week and I found some information that might seem relevant to what I need.

First, a shout out for Diane and her assistant. Thank you for all the stuff that was waiting for me when I got there.

I found a few articles on combat life. Although, they gave an insight on what life was for these guys, the information was not specific to Latinos. The historical society does have an interesting book that discussed life for Latinos in the East Bay. Due to time restraints, I did not get all the information that I wanted. I will return this Thursday to see what I can dig up.

Lately, I have been on the phone and e-mailing quite a bit. Some of the calls have been to Veteran Posts throughout the bay area. Some numbers are disconnected, others I left messages, but no solid leads yet on finding people or information from the WWII era. I did make contact with a gentleman from the American Legion in the Bay Area. We talked a bit and he said he would see what he could do for me. Also, contacted the Veterans Hospital in Freemont, left a message but nothing solid. I might wait a few days and call them again. I contacted the California Historical Society through e-mail, still waiting for response. I left a message for the Spanish Speaking Citizens Foundation, again waiting for a response. I will give it some time then decide what to do.

Over the next few days, I plan to do some research in the archives of the surrounding historical societies; maybe something crazy will come up.

I am excited about one lead.(Technology what would we do without it.) Through email, I contacted a professor from the area, he gave me a name of an individual, which at this time will remain a secret, (because I have not been unable to get a hold of him) but the professor said this person was a Zoot Suiter from that era. Cross your fingers and hope that I find him.

Before I go there is an issue I continuously come across, which is Ken Burns and his neglect to include Latinos in his documentary “The War.” I previously mentioned this but it caused such uproar in 2007. With due reason. Many minorities contributed to the war effort, what amazes me that he made the film in 2007 and still he made a decision to not credit minorities for their participation, WOW! Ken Burns, man o man.
Many people were upset with Ken Burns check out the sites bellow:

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/tv/story/2007/04/08/burns-war-latino.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/05/arts/television/05pbs.html?ex=1336017600&en=97f16eb79f2fcbf0&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
http://defendthehonor.org/
http://www.democracynow.org/2007/4/13/pbs_criticized_for_excluding_latino_native
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1607980,00.html

Well it’s all for now, tune in next time...

Assignment 3: Braceros and Zoot Suiters During the War Years

Today is a new day and have managed to put my brain back together again. I’m starting to wonder if any Mexican-Americans were in Hayward during WWII (I’m sure there were).

Some major historical undertones during this era for Mexican Americans were the war, the Bracero Program, and the “Zoot Suit Riots.” I will let you and only you in, on what is the Bracero Program and the Zoot Suit Riots.

Many people opted for work in major industrial cities like Los Angeles or Oakland during the WWII. Others joined the war. This left a void in the agricultural work pool. In response to this labor shortage, the governments of the U.S. and Mexico came up with the Bracero Program, a Mexican guest worker program. This was a sharp contrast to the Mexican repatriations that occurred during the 1930s, when many Mexicans were forced back to their country in order to secure jobs for “real Americans.”

This Bracero Program was an agreement that allowed for the recruitment of Mexican males to come to this country and work in its agricultural fields. It is estimated by historian Manuel G. Gonzales that quarter of a million Mexican nationals were employed as Braceros between 1942-1947. Officially the program was supposed to end in 1947, but due to the fat cats of the Agricultural industries, mainly from the West, the program ran through December 1964. Contracts issued by Growers were supposed to insure the rights of all the guest workers but abuses did occur. Most Braceros were destined for agricultural work. But some went to the railroads for grueling physical duties. “By August 1945, 67,704 were working on railroads,” wrote author Rodolfo Acuna.

Many came and many stayed. Jose Cruz was one that stayed and made a life for himself in the East Bay. Courtesy of the Latino History Project from the Oakland Museum, Mr. Cruz was born in Mexico City in 1924 and came to this country as a bracero worker.

If you were a Mexican during the war years, you faced tough times especially in Los Angeles. Violence erupted in some American cities in 1943, with most of it in the City of Angels; this episode became dubbed “The Zoot Suit Riots” of 1943. Sailors and marines in Southern California were on the prowl for Chicano youths, who were dressed in their finely tailored zoot suit ensembles, in order to issue a whooping for wearing this type of clothing. For days Anti-Mexican hysteria was sensationalized by the media. In June 1943, it came to a boil in Los Angeles. There was chaos was in the streets of this city without any help in sight. Eventually the National Guard became involved in order to stop the riots but the emotional scar on the mindset of Latinos had already been set into place.


Bibliography
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/zoot/
http://museumca.org/LHP/index.html
http://braceroarchive.org/
http://3.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kucg3c3b091qa2j8co2_500.jpg
http://www.findingdulcinea.com/docroot/dulcinea/fd_images/news/on-this-day/May-June-08/On-this-Day--Zoot-Suit-Riots-Begin-in-Los-Angeles/news/0/image.jpg
http://la.curbed.com/uploads/2008-04-zoot_suit_riots.jpg
http://museumca.org/LHP/jose/pages/2000.35.5.htm

Acuna, Rodolfo. Occupied American: A History of Chicanos. New York: Harper Collins. Publishers, 1988.

Gonzales, Manuel G. Mexicanos: A History of Mexicans in the United States. Indiana: Indiana University Press, 2009.

McWilliams, Carey. North from Mexico: The Spanish-Speaking People of the United States. New York: Monthly Review Press, 1961.