Explorations in Ethnic Studies
Orginal Publication Date
1985
Journal Title
Explorations in Ethnic Studies
Volume
8
Issue
ees/vol8/iss2
First Page
43
Last Page
44
Abstract
Art serves the societal functions of recording, interpreting and predicting. Here, analysis of popular archetypes in Chicano fiction and poetry are used to illustrate cultural values toward the elderly and conflicts of values between generations of Chicanos. This leads to an examination of how Chicano values differ from Anglo-American values toward the elderly. The author demonstrates the problems of acculturation, blending into and enriching another culture while retaining a sense of one's own culture, versus assimilation, abandoning one's own heritage and taking on the values of another culture. In the latter, upward mobility striving by younger Chicanos creates a chasm between generations.
Rights
Copyright, ©EES, The National Association for Ethnic Studies, 1985