LULAC's mission was to fight discrimination against Latino Americans in the United States. To do this, the organization encouraged Latinos to Americanize themselves and blend into the white community. They did this by stripping Latinos of their culture, teaching only American ideals in school and forcing them to speak only English outside the home. During that time period, the only accepted American was the white American. LULAC believed that if Latinos demonstrated their dedication to the country, then Americans would find them worthy enough to be treated equally.
I disagree with what LULAC pushed Latinos to do. It seems like they gave up fighting for their rights and standing up for their culture. The Latinos in turn gave up their individualism as well and submitted to conformist America. At the time, I feel like Latinos were desperate to escape discrimination and would do anything, including this. It saddens me to see the notion of "white supremacy" go so far as to force other races to conform, just to be treated equally. LULAC's proposal would have temporarily reduced Latino discrimination yet in the long run, the issue of diversity would still not be addressed. It was a means to mask the differences between these two groups but in the end Latinos would continue to be treated unequally because they would be looked upon as the group trying to be American. If LULAC's plan did succeed, we would have a country of seemingly the same people. There would be no diversity or mix of culture for everyone would be the stereotypical white American. I feel diversity is what makes us unique and it would be a tragic if this was lost due to the ideals of the "superior race."
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The many comments I have read do not take into account not only the discrimination, but the many lynchings of Mexican Americans that took place prior to the founding of LULAC in 1929. The best kept secret in American history is these number of lynchings that outnumbered even the lynchings of Black American during the civil war. During the 1920s many Mexican organizations were formed only to quickly disappear when they were labeled communists and the members lost their jobs, homes, and many even lost their lifes. LULAC was determined not to allow the same to happen to it and so it took an approach that could never be labeled as unAmerican or communistic. In the long run, LULAC saved many jobs, homes and lifes.
To be book educated and not involved is easy and allow critics to offer unfair opinions; however, to truly understand one must be involved. Thanks!
Frank
Former LULAC National Officer
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