The analyzed documentary is “Chicano! – Struggle in the Fields.” It describes Mexican American labor strikes of farmworkers that took place in 1965-1970, starting in Coachella Valley. Workers led by Cesar Chavez advocated for the creation of a union that could protect them and their rights from poor working conditions and dishonest employers. The main leadership qualities inherent to Cesar Chavez are active life position, moral standards, and reliability. Moreover, he carried out intense organizational work, was able to gather many followers, whose interests he represented and protected. The primary approach to the struggle that guided this leader was non-violence. He attracted attention by peaceful methods – for example, the pilgrimage to Sacramento during which the movement showed other farmworkers that they fought fear. Moreover, Cesar used religion to show that their actions were reasonable and fair.
The main problem, which the movement fought, was the protection of the rights of the worker. However, this also touched the national issue, as in California, most farmworkers were Mexican Americans at that time. Thus, the movement also protected the rights of minorities. Apart from the issue of race, this episode also raises a gender problem. Dolores Huerta, vice president of organization and Cesar’s assistant, was appointed to important talks with the growers (“Chicano!”). It was a shock to employers because she was a Mexican woman. However, Dolores showed leadership qualities and actively negotiated without allowing unnecessary sexist comments.
Thus, through the boycott to the whole grape industry, Mexican Americans contributed to the adoption of the California Labor Relations Act. This law was intended to protect them from poor working conditions, including the harmful impact of large quantities of pesticides. Moreover, it finally allowed them to form a unity for mutual support, protection, and assistance.
Work Cited
“Chicano! – Struggle in the Fields.” YouTube, uploaded by CaliforniaMexicoCtr, 2012. Web.