The Mexican American Experience, a radio program produced by the Longhorn Radio Network, includes interviews, music, and informational programs related to the Mexican American community and their concerns. Program summary: Richard Goodman discusses the many roles Corridos have played in Mexican American communities. Goodman discusses the origins of the corrido, the role it played in early Mexican American society and how it has changed over time. Goodman explains that corridos, one of the most significant forms of Chicano music, originated in the mid 19th century and constituted a major source of entertainment and communication for Mexican Americans. Corridos, which follow a very particular format and rhythm were often based on real events, people or places and provided a Mexican American historical perspective. Dr. Americo Paredes, who studied corridos, found that many early corridos dealt with Indian raids and guerrilla warfare. They often also told the story of border heroes, such as Juan Cortina, who fought against Anglo encroachment and stood for justice. Up until World War II, Corridos often told the story of ordinary men who when wronged took a stand and fought back until the very end. These heroes represented the Mexican masculine ideal who will defend his rights against all odds. In the post-war period, they covered such topics as Hurricane Buelah, Chicano militancy and the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Although, corridos are declining in popularity, they remain a significant part of Chicano history because they provided them with a glimmer of hope during the violence inflicted by Anglos in the aftermath of the Mexican-American War. Keywords: Anglos, Border Heroes, Border Outlaws, Chicano Movement, Chicano Music, Corrido del Jacinto Trevino, Corrido Structure, Corridos, Cultural Conflict, Dr. Americo Paredes, Guerrilla Warfare, Hurricane Beulah, Hurricane Celia, Iambic Rhythm, Indian Raids, John F. Kennedy, Juan Cortina, Los Pinguinos del Norte, Martin Luther King, Masculinity, Mexican American History, Patriarchy, Quatrain, Republic of the Rio Grande, Robert Kennedy, Smugglers, South Texas, Stanza, The Southwest, With his Pistol in his Hand, World War II, Zachary Taylor. Broadcast date: 1977-03-11.
Creator/Contributor:
Longhorn Radio Network (creator) and Goodman, Richard (host)
Date Created/Date Issued:
3/10/1977
Owning Repository:
Benson Latin American Collection, LLILAS Benson Latin American Studies and Collections, The University of Texas at Austin