Battle Ground for America's Narrative

Because of HB2281, many Mexican American studies will be banned. Mexican American history plays a big role when learning about the history of America. For heaven sake, Mexico used to own part of our land. How are we to become knowledgeable about history if a big gap in it has formed? The title I selected from the banned MAS books was Zigzagger, written by M. Munoz. The book is essentially a collection of stories from the lives of Chicano characters. The stories do not reflect traditional myths and narratives of the community, but focus on the individual struggles of the characters. I believe the drama associated with these stories may have or may create a stronger sense of pity within the Chicano community, which is perhaps what led to it being banned.

Tony Diaz, author of "Every Book is Banned Book Week for Chicanos", believes that by teaching MAS, our government is promoting and encouraging Chicano culture in our country. I believe his argument is valid. Although America prides itself on being a country of different cultures, encouraging a single community such as the Mexican Americans, will promote the idea that they are strong, perhaps stronger than the government itself. Diaz says, "We are not afraid of Julius Caesar being called Julio, we are afraid that our next governor will." Powerful words.