Reflection Post #1: Young Lords

After reading about the Young Lords and watching a documentary on them, I was able to understand the reasoning behind their actions. They were a group of young revolutionaries who sought for a change in the social and political system of this country. Unlike their parents, who had grown up in Puerto Rico and immigrated to the US at a later age, the “Young Lords” group was mainly comprised of the first generation of Puerto Ricans born and raised in the US. Their ideologies were different from those of their elders. Unlike them, the Young Lords rejected the idea of complete assimilation to American culture and instead encouraged pride for their culture and history. After witnessing the detestable conditions of their “barrios” and the oppression that existed towards their group from the political system, they were driven to effect change in their communities.

            I think the accomplishments of the Young Lords Party are astonishing. It is certainly very inspiring to see that a group of young people, who came together for a common purpose, was able to accomplish so much for the community. I admired the ways in which they sought to improve their communities’ living conditions and create a better world for their own and future generation. It was a very well organized group and I think their plan of action proved to be very effective at most times. Except in the end, when their aspirations might have been too ambitious. I think they should have stuck to helping out their communities in New York instead of relocating to Puerto Rico. These people were born and raised in America, although they identified themselves as Puerto Ricans, the culture in Puerto Rico was a lot different from the culture of the “barrios” of Harlem.