Luis Valdez's Los Vendidos

Luis Valdez's Los Vendidos

Social science teaches that a person’s self identity is a reflection of that which other people put on the individual, in other words a person’s behavior steams more from what they see of themselves from someone else’s perspective and less from how they see themselves. In the case of the Mexicans, this concept holds true. From that, which has been studied thus far this semester, Mexicans/ Mexican Americans are good examples of this concept. Their sorted past has resulted in a new kind of Mexican American and perhaps a new kind of Mexican. Certainly the Mexicans American’s experience in this country has brought about some changes from the first generation of Mexicans who were born in this country to those who are born here now with native Mexican ancestry. Luis Valdez’z play Los Vendidos is a satirical commentary on not only the sociological concept of self-identity, but also the change that has taken place in the Mexican/Mexican American over the years. What is of particular interest is the meaning of the title of the play. The literal translation is the sold out ones, however a group known as Somos Raza, who are a part of Unión del Barrio (Liberación Exige Organaización), have a somewhat different interpretation of the word. As part of their ten point platform Somos Raza defined the word vendidos as the following: "We recognize Hispanic vendidos as those people who unite with the government and tell us to assimilate with the system - the very same people and system that is oppressing us."

The play consists of one scene. The setting is in "Amano Sancho’s Used Mexicans Dealership"; a store that features used Mexicans for sale. The store carries a wide variety of Mexicans. They range from Mexicans as...

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...dn’t deserve fair treatment. The result then is a confused Mexican American in search of some self worth. It was really not until the Brown Power Movement of the 60’s and 70’s, which instilled some Mexican pride into those who were born in the US.

The play ends with the Raza gathered around a map of the US. The professor reads off all the major cities Mexican have representatives in, one persons speaks out "they think we are robots", he responds "God help us to be humans". All any body wants is to be treated fairly and that is all the vendidos want. To them they best way to do it is wipe out the reflected image whites have put on them, and through it all they have to remain human. Sacrifices have to be made for la causa, but it is for the best. Even if you can’t be what you want for a little while, like Tequi, who was not Tequi anymore, "Its is Erick now, Chula".