Mexicans, Chicanos and the Labyrinth of L.A.

Me da pena (y coraje) . It hurts and angers me. In Max Benavidez’s “The Labyrinth of the North” (Sept. 15), Mexican artist Roberto Gil de Montes arrogantly and condescendingly proclaims:

“I certainly have nothing against Chicanos. After all, we gave birth to them. They come from what we are. . . . When they did try to be like me, it seemed ridiculous. So how could I identify with them? They were trying to become what I already was.”

But in the next breath, he admits to ripping off Eastside graffiti motifs for his own work. Con cuidado, ese . Be careful.

At least we Chicanos understand what it means to live in a diverse cultural environment with mutual respect and understanding for all groups. And, unlike you, we know how to imagine a complex and heterogeneous identity.

If it’s true that Gil de Montes has lived in L.A. since 1965, it’s a shame he hasn’t been able to rid himself of his nationalist and class biases. Let’s hope his art isn’t as impoverished as his cultural imagination.

Tienes razon, Roberto . You’re right. We don’t want to be like you.

GEORGE MARISCAL

Cardiff