Rodolfo Acuna\'s the Making of Chicano Studies

Rodolfo Acuna's The Making of Chicano Studies opens the door to an often-neglected chapter in American studies of history, sociology, and culture. Acuna's book primarily traces the evolution of Chicano studies as an academic discipline. However, in the course of discussions about Chicano pedagogy and curriculum, the author addresses the actual meat of the subject itself. The Making of Chicano Studies has earned its position and placement on the shelves of professors. The subject is multidisciplinary, which means that Acuna's book need not be segregated to the shelves of Chicano studies professors or departments only.

Chicano history, culture, and inquiry is intimately and inextricably linked with American history, culture, and inquiry. Acuna begins the investigation with an overview of Mexican history: including its complex racial identity and race relations. The story of Chicano culture begins at the intersection of identities: as after 1848 and the invasion of Mexico, Chicanos in the vast territories claimed by the United States developed unique identities separate from either Mexico or the United States. This liminal identity formation more than a century ago has shaped the attitudes, beliefs, and realities of Chicanos and their non-Chicano neighbors.

The Civil Rights movement was pivotal for Chicano studies. Legitimizing and giving voice to the Chicano underclass, the Civil Rights movement helped engender pride and identity renewal. Chapter 2 of the book focuses on the Civil Rights era, and how it transformed Chicano identity as well as outsider attitudes towards Chicanos, Chicano culture, and Chicano pedagogy. By the second chapter, the reader understands why a study of Chicano studies encapsulates shifting social norms: because Chicano studies departments and courses in higher education represents a fundamental social shift. Not only were Chicano individuals becoming increasingly visible; but massive student demonstrations during the 1960s paved the way for a cohesive group consciousness. The group consciousness promoted a revision of social hierarchy, challenging the Anglo white hegemony in education and all other realms.

Acuna's The Making of Chicano Studies has a distinct political tone and edge; the author never pretends to be unbiased. Yet the book is not just a rant against white hegemony, but a constructive overview of how Chicano culture itself has developed: both in response to systematic oppression and prejudice and also in response to increased status, power, solidarity, and legitimacy. Issues related to language, culture, and identity are fused with facts and details about specific names and dates relevant to the subject matter.