Reader Response Paper #1
In the year 1967, Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales, published his heroic poem, “Yo Soy Joaquin”. The poem was widely circulated in order for it be read during the Chicano Movement. The poem mainly focuses on Mexican-Americans being torn away from their Mexican and American identity. Many people’s identity was taken away just because of who they are or where they come from, that is one thing Joaquin is trying to prove and inform us, the readers. That until the poem was created, the term “Chicano” wasn’t used because it was seen as an insult, signifying a person of lower status and culture. In the beginning of the poem, Joaquin starts off with introducing himself and expressing his “identity”. In the poem he states, “I am Joaquín,