Luis Valdez

This is a story about the problems facing Chicanos in California during World War 2. It is not a very happy story, but it is a very deep story.

I liked reading something that switched between English and another language I could read and understand, for once. Most of the classics you end up reading as an English major use French, Latin or Russian, if anything, and if you're apparently unlucky enough to know and like Spanish, you never really get the opportunity to use your skills in your chosen field.

I really liked the messages in the play. It says a lot of things about ethnic differences and problems, and it is does a great job with metaphors.

I could do without the sexism, and I am really tired of saying "it was the times", especially since that really is not an excuse. But at least the author did not pretend that there were no problems. It is presented and it is not placed in a good light, thankfully.

I would love to see something like this live. The stage directions sound really interesting and it sounds like a very beautiful play.… (mais)

Luis Valdez was one of my favorite authors when it came to drama and my work in graduate school for my English masters. If I would have completed the PhD, I probably would have tried to do my dissertation on him or his work, or something dealing with U.S. Latino literature. I did not follow that path, but I certainly was glad to have discovered this writer. Back then, I had to read his "Badges," but I ended up reading other works besides the ones in this anthology. I was reading this during the fall of 1999. The few notes I made in my personal journal back then are mostly academic, so I will leave them there. I do recommend it.… (mais)

Interesting book of three plays by Mexican-American playwright Luis Valdez. The most recognized play in ‘Zoot Suit’, which was a successful motion picture. However, the play that moved me is called ‘I Don’t Have to Show You No Stinkin’ Badges’. This play came to me at a point in my life when it was absolutely necessary.

The play concerns the lives of a Mexican-American acting couple. They are established bit players, and have built a comfortable middle-class life in the suburbs near Hollywood. They have sent their eldest daughter to medical school, and she is now a successful doctor. They have sent their second child, a son, to Harvard.

The protagonist, Buddy Villa, is proud of his life and likes to recount how he got his first film job as an extra in the famous film, ‘The Treasure of Sierra Madre’ where he was one of the non-speaking bandits.

The drama starts when his son returns home angry and disillusioned. He has dropped out of Harvard, and accuses his family of lying to him. All his life his family and teachers have told him that he was smart. But at Harvard, he found he was not as smart as the other students there.

He challenges his father for his choice of career. He is a bit player of no importance. He and his mother play only stereo-type roles, and yet they are proud of their lives. They should be ashamed of themselves.

The drama then involves the resolution of this crisis. I found the ending thought provoking, and came away with the understanding that I do not have to justify my life or actions to any one. I will make my choices and live with the consequences, without guilt and without seeking justification. ‘I don’t need no stinkin’ badges!’… (mais)