Location
San Fernando, CA
Website
www.luisjrodriguez.com
PAGE 3
Luis Rodriguez: "The Republic of East LA" was my first major book of fiction. Up until then, I had only written about real things through poetry, memoir, essays and other works. For once, I imagined people and situations, people and struggle, people and change. While it's true some of the stories are based on real people and incidents (yes, the Benny character in the "Miss East LA" story is very much based on my own experiences), they have been reimagined; in many cases they developed a life other own. It's good to finally tap into my imagination for stories and other writings. This helped me tackle the larger work invovled in a novel.
What is your response to the election of Arnold Schwarzenegger as governor in California?
Luis Rodriguez: I don't believe an actor is qualified to make the necessary political changes that are vastly needed by our communities. This was true for Reagan as for Schwarzenegger. I'm not saying an actor can never run for office, but what qualifies them is actual work in the public sector, in troubled communities, in having vision, ideas and strong connection to the needs of people and how to get those needs without jeopardizing the earth, the technology and the future. Schwarzenegger was popular as actor and some of this translated into votes. He also carried with him the promise of a debt-free, responsive and engaged state government. We haven't seen much of this in the past. But that promise is powerful indeed - enough to get him into office. I also felt Schwarzenegger had some pretty lame candidates opposing him (the Green Party's Peter Camejo was the exception). Despite dozens of allegations of improper contact with women, Arnold was simply the most attractive candidate. I wish him well, but I know he's going to fail - it'll take a whole movement to change what's happening in the state.
If you had to narrow your choices down to three topics, which one's do you feel are most important in the books and poems that you write?
Luis Rodriguez: That our stories are vital; that poetry can save lives; that implicit in my work is how to live a conscious and engaged life, against all odds, with creativity, beauty, song and poetry.
When was the last time you visited El Paso, TX? What is your general impression of El Paso, TX? Have you ever been to Las Cruces, NM?
Luis Rodriguez: I visited El Paso a few times over the years since "Always Running" came out to promote my poetry and other writing. I've read at the University of Texas, El Paso and at a number of barrio high schools. Even though I never lived in El Paso, I was born there (my family lived across the border in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico). People in El Paso, however, have always treated me as a native son. I truly appreciate the great support and respect I get from my birth place. El Paso is a uniquely crucial city in this country - a border city, a bridge city, a city of cultural extremes and cultural innovation.
I've been to Las Cruces twice to participate in the Border Book Festival, organized through the efforts of my friend Denise Chavez. The last time, they gave me the Premio Fronterizo award. I also spoke at various local schools, juvenile facilities, and the local prison. Denise and our mutual friend John Randall also graciously organized a benefit auction where some of the funds went to Tia Chucha's Cafe Cultural, for which we are eternally grateful. I have many friends in Las Cruces and hope to visit again soon.
How do you feel about the current representation of the Chicano/Mexican culture in American television?
Luis Rodriguez: I feel we get lost in the "Hispanic" syndrome - where very distinct peoples who happen to speak Spanish and/or have Spanish surnames have been forced to come together as if they were a monolith. As much as I admire and love Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicans, Salvadorans and other Latino cultures, Mexicans (and depending on what part of Mexico) and Chicanos have their own cultures and traditions. The media tries to lump us all together, which means we get lost at times. Even George Lopez, a Chicano, has a Cuban American wife in his sit-com show. That happens, but this is rare. We still need to recognize and support the Chicano constibutions to our history, culture and politics - not at the expense of anyone else, but just for the vitality it represents and continues to exude. We need more Chicano actors, directors, producers, camera people, and creators of media outlets and studios.
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