Week 2_Miguel Flores_ASA114

San Juan Jr. critiques the formation of Ethnic Studies and reformation and strengthening of its pillars as a curriculum and academic institution after the effects of 9/11. It contextualizes the ineffectiveness of earlier conception of Ethnic Studies and asks us scholars to engage in research, recharacterize, and redefine the cause of Ethnic Studies as an “outside” entity apart from the capitalistic motives of the university. San Juan Jr. questions the repackaging of Ethnic Studies and asks if this refinement reflects its grassroots origins. The movements propelled by Third World were the reinforcements that put Ethnic Studies in academic institutions, but did it initiate social change? Ethnic Studies will continue to be challenged, as San Juan Jr. puts it, “We need to abandon again the methodological individualism of our distinct ethnicities and forge alliances against what is proclaimed to be the objective necessity of the privatized markets (San Juan Jr., p.272).” The author refocuses and even proposes to discontinue making a distinction and start building relationships with others. We need coalitions and alliances if we want Ethnic Studies to become an integral part of social change. In this discourse, we need to move beyond social history, start targeting the problems of power and start employing actions that will benefit our community here and overseas. 

            The protest to introduce Ethnic Studies as a legitimate curriculum initiated by student leaders at San Francisco State was a major turning point in the United States’ educational system. It reifies the evolving and growing demographics of the United States and its call for an overhaul of its Euro-centric ideologies. Ethnic Studies recognizes the cross-cultural connections of people and linkages through histories, struggles, and cultures. Brute force against college students enacted by policemen highlighted the imbalance of power amidst the rightful expression of students to rally and negotiate the future of Ethnic Studies in universities. It wasn’t an easy feat, but coalitions and alliances, as San Juan Jr. suggests for the repackaging of Ethnic Studies, it strengthened the cause. Individualization versus collaboration needs to be at the forefront of Ethnic Studies. Yes, we need to historicize previous accounts but at the same time, we also need to remember that Ethnic Studies were formed to enable the creation of pieces of knowledge that would initiate social change and fair judgments. It begs the question, is Ethnic Studies staying true to its grassroots? Are we even “woke” to the issues that are happening around us? 

Citation:

E. San Juan Jr. “The Ordeal of Ethnic Studies in the Age of Globalization.” Displacements.

Kapwa Kollective. “50^th Anniversary of the Student Strike at SF State.” Youtube. 20 March 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZY9NQzx03E