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2.

DO WE CLAIM TO BE SPOKESMEN?

Mel: We are begging to be spokesmen, we are "dummies" (quod) begging for money - not for ourselves - but to buy paint.

Jes: Yes, it's your opinion- just be ready to defend it...

Mel: Once we put anything down on paper we are gong to be misconstrued anyway . . . pidgeon-holed....

There is also the problem of reaching the Chicano... of getting him to the museums to see himself on the walls. Communication .... In some manner school-children must reach the museums - a coordination to achieve this....

Joe:  "to them (the public) it is more important WHERE you are showing than WHAT you are showing. . ."

Jes:  "this is me. thse are my boys... that what they feel...to instill pride, reflect our people is our purpose.

There is also the problem of the CHICANO STEREOTYPE. . .

This is the idea that the Chicano can only really contribute " in the barrio". it is a wrong idea... this is just another form of isolation contributing again to the unawareness on the other side.......as if he doesn't belong to the "good side of the tracks" or that because he does live on the"good side" he can no longer contribute and enrich the life of the barrio.

["to create social awareness"]

We are in both places. We are trying to project our aims higher. Chicano art is not only for the barrio - it too belongs elsewhere. It already means something to those within the barrio; it must also mean something to those without....

Fel: in reality the world is our barrio..."

Mel: we just extended our borders; if a Chicano cuts grass in Alamo Hts., then that's the barrio....