Reflection Post- The Young Lords Party

The growth of Puerto Rican nationalism had a profound effect upon the future of the United States.  As immigrants, Puerto Ricans expected to uncover new opportunities and better opportunities in the United States.  However, this was not the truth that they discovered.  In fact, they found it hard to assimilate into the United States, both physically and geographically.  Many saw a binary vision of society, the ruling class and the oppressed class.  Puerto Rican immigrants fit right in with the oppressed class.  To complicate matters, the United States did its best to force assimilation, yet a form of assimilation that involved all United States matters.  Puerto Ricans were forced to "Americanize."  There was to be no trace of Puerto Rican culture, both on the mainland US and back on the island of Puerto Rico.  English was taught in schools.  Puerto Rican history was replaced with American history in the schools.  Economically, Puerto Rico also lost control.  The economy shifted to a form of monocapitalism, where sugar ruled all.

Many Puerto Ricans saw this injustice and demanded change.  These individuals were part of the Young Lords Party.  After viewing the film in lecture, I have found the measures taken by this group to be dramatic.  What the government could not provide, this party did.  This included free breakfast programs among others.  This party pushed for the advancement of Puerto Ricans.  They pushed for better working conditions for Puerto Ricans.  These individuals were the only individuals brave enough to stand up and fight against the injustice they faced.  I admire their efforts.  To be willing to do what they accomplished amid the threat of punishment or beating is simply remarkable.  Their activity is one that should constantly be studied.  In the Puerto Rican sense, these individuals were truly spectacular.