Description of the Characters

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CHAPTER IV ANALYSIS

In Los Vendidos, there are six characters. They are Honest Sancho, Secretary, Farm Worker, Johnny Pachucho, Revolucionario, and Mexican- American. The play dramatizes a range of stereotypes applied by Anglo culture which is represented by Miss Jimenez Worthen, 2000:1008. According to Reaske 1966: 46-48, a characteristic can be seen from the appearance of the character, the dialogue between characters, the language, and also the action of the character.

A. Description of the Characters

1. Farmworker He is a typical Mexican people. According to Reaske, the characterization can be seen from the character’s appearance. Mexican people usually have dark skin. The stereotype of the Mexican people is mostly dark or dark brown complexion and black hair Samora, 2008:8. The Farmworker, from Sancho’s description, has dark or beige skin. SECRETARY: Dark SANCHO: Prieto. SECRETARY: But of course not too dark. Perhaps beige. SANCHO: Beige, just the tone Valdez, 2000: 1009 After the Secretary asks Sancho to give her somebody that has beige or tan skin, Sancho immediately introduces Farmworker to her. It means that Farmworker has darker skin than the other. Sancho also describes the Farmworker as a hard worker and durable. In 1960s the condition in the United States was very harsh. Many workers from Mexico worked in the field as a farmer for long hours Hanes, 2007: 428. This quotation implies that many Mexican people work very hard for United States in the unkind condition. The characterization of Farmworker as a hard worker and durable person is formed from the actual condition that happened in 1960. It can be seen through Sancho’s description and the Farmworker’s action. SANCHO: That could be one model. Step right over here to the center of the shop, lady. they cross the Farm worker. This is our standard farm worker model. As you can see, in the words of our beloved Senator George Murphy, he is “built close to the ground.” Also take special notice of his four-ply Goodyear huaraches, made from the rain tire. This wide- brimmed sombrero is an extra added feature--- keeps off the sun, rain and dust. SECRETARY: Yes, it does look durable. SANCHO: Didn’t I tell you? Loves his patrones But his most attractive feature is that he’s hardworking. Let me show you. FARMWORKER: He begins to work. SANCHO: He is cutting grapes, picks cotton, and also picks melon Valdez, 2000: …. Workers in the United States were mostly immigrants from Mexico. They worked on the farm, because United States needed many workers who can work in the agricultural area Hanes, 2007: 428. However, they did not work all the seasons. There was a moment when they had to come back to their country. This is also what happens to Farmworker. In the end of the season the Farmworker will come back to Mexico. This condition indicates that Farmworker works seasonally. SANCHO: And here’s an added feature: Every year at the end of the season, this model goes back to Mexico and doesn’t return, automatically, until next spring. Valdez, 2000: 1010 In the era of 1942, Mexico and United States established a program named bracero program. Bracero is a Spanish word which means worker Hanes, 2007: 422. This program was particularly for the farm workers who worked in the United States. They could legally enter the United States for seasonal work on farms Hanes, 2007:428. Farmworker also talks about going back to Mexico, typical farm workers are known as the migrant because they come to the US once a year during the planting season. Another characteristic of Farmworker can be seen from the dialogue between Sancho and Secretary. SECRETARY: Wonderful. But is he economical? SANCHO: Economical? Senorita, you are looking at the Volkswagen of Mexicans. Pennies a day is all it takes. One plate of beans and tortillas will keep him going all day. That, and chile. Plenty of chile jalapenos, chile verde, chile Colorado. But, of course if you do give him chile Snap. Farmworker turns left face. Snap. Farm worker bends over. Then you have to change his oil filter once a week. Valdez, 2000: 1009 Sancho says that the Farmworker is economical. It means that Secretary does not have to pay much money to get him. Sancho says that she only has to pay him some pennies and gives him chile, tortilla, jalapenos chili, which are typically Mexican people’s food. The working conditions in United States at that time were often harsh and mostly they were working in the fields for long hours but low paying Hanes, 2007: 428. The working condition that is very rude and the worker are forced to work in a long hours but they only get a little money. Farmworker is supposed to be an ideal type for the Secretary. He has dark skin, and also hard working, and he is low paid worker so Secretary does not pay much for him. On the other hand, there is one more criteria from Secretary, she wants someone who can speak English to work in the office. SECRETARY: How about that. But tell me: does he speak English? SANCHO: Another outstanding feature ------ to go out on STRIKE SECRETARY: No Oh no, we can’t strike in the State Capitol. SANCHO: Well, he also scabs. Snap. FARMWORKER: Me vando barato, y que? Snap SECRETARY: That’s much better, but you didn’t answer my question. Does he speak English? SANCHO: Bueno….. no pero he has other ------ SECRETARY: No Valdez, 2000: 1010 From the quotation above, the farm worker uses Spanish language. When Secretary asks Sancho about Farmworker’s ability to speak English, Sancho answers with Spanish language which means, Farmworker cannot speak English. Therefore, the Secretary directly rejects the Farmworker. In World War II and Mexican American Civil Rights , it is provided the fact about Mexican people who were mostly unskilled and illiterate. Poverty and lack of education also played role to their lives Castillo, 2008: 11. According to Hanes, at that time the slaves like them had no right to learn or write, even posses books Hanes, 2007: 337. Poverty and discrimination that they faced leads them to their disability to have proper education. Thus, it is obvious that many Mexican people were lack education so they cannot speak English, because they never received proper education. Sancho also says that Farmworker was programmed to go out on strike. At that time many farm workers do strike because of the unfair treatment from the US government to the farm worker. SANCHO: Another outstanding feature is that last year this model was programmed to go out on STRIKE Snap. FARM WORKER: HUELGA HUELGA Hermanos, salganse de esos files. Snap. He stops SECRETARY: No Oh no, we can’t strike in the State Capitol. The unfair treatment they got was about the low wages they earned and also the working conditions. They want higher wages and better working conditions Hanes, 2007: 429. They refused to work in farm and led a group of people to march in the road Hanes, 2007: 24. Because of the characteristic of Farmworker that is lack education and cannot speak English fluently, the only way to protest of the unfair condition is by going out on strike. 2. Johnny Pachuco During the World War II, many of young Mexican American formed a gang and named it pachuco McLemore, 1980: 232. Pachuco is a slang word of Spanish which means tough guy Hanes, 2007: 22. Pachucos owned unique style in wearing clothes. They wore jacket, it was long and very broad in the shoulder. They also wore trousers which were very tight at the ankle McLemore, 1980: 232. This kind of outfit made pachuco very unique and easy to know and became very popular at that time for Mexican youngsters. In 1942, pachuchos accused of murder. They found guilty and were arrested McLemore, 1980: 233. Because of this incident, the stereotype of violent pachuco was widely believed. The explanation from Sancho about this model is, he says that Johnny is bilingual. Bilingual here means Johnny can use both language Spanish and English. However, when Sancho asks Johnny to show that he can use English as well, Johnny says the taboo word which makes Secretary rejects him. SANCHO: But, he is bilingual. Johnny, give us some English.Snap. JOHNNY: Come downstage fuck you SECRETARY: Gasps Oh I’ve never been so insulted in my whole life. Valdez, 2000: 1010 Based on An Encyclopedia of Swearing, “fuck” is the most powerful taboo term. “Fuck” is still regarded as an unmentionable word Hughes, 2006:188. This quotation shows that, the word fuck is a rude word to say. It is clear that it insults the Secretary. Secretary may think that Johnny is an impolite person. Johnny is also described as a person who consumes some drugs. This is the reason that Secretary rejects him again because of his bad habit. SANCHO: Lenos…….. marijuana. snap. Johnny inhales on an imaginary joint SECRETARY: That’s against the law SANCHO: He also sniffs glue Snap. Johnny inhales glue, big smile. Valdez, 2000: 1010 Pachuco was described by the people as an affront and a monstrosity, organized gangster, and high in marijuana Castillo, 2008: 45. This quotation means that pachuco is considered as criminals and they also use marijuana a lot. In this story, Johnny is described that he has negative behavior. In addition he consumes marijuana and sniffs glue. Because of that, Johnny is illustrated as a typical Mexican gangster or criminal. According to Reaske, the characteristics of a character can be seen from his or her action Reaske, 1966: 48. By seeing through Johnny’s action, it can be concluded that Johnny is a criminal. At the end, Johnny tries to steal Secretary’s purse. SANCHO: He steals. Snap. Johnny rushes the Secretary and steals her purse. JOHNNY: Dame esa bolsa, vieja He grabs the purse and runs. Snap by Sancho. He stops. Secretary runs after Johnny and grabs purse away from him, kicking him as she goes. SECRETARY: No, no, no We can’t have any more thieves in the State Administration. Put him back. Valdez, 2000: 1010 From the very beginning, Johnny gives a bad impression through his words to the Secretary. He also consumes drugs, marijuana, and also sniffs glue. By the end, he tries to steal the secretary’s purse. Because of his negative behavior, the judgment from the society also negative. However, pachuco still has the other good side. SANCHO: Anything and everything necessary for city life. For instance, survival. SANCHO: He can also be beaten and he bruises, cut him, and he bleeds, kick him and he --- He beats, bruises, and kicks PACHUCO. would you like to try it? Valdez, 2000: 1010 From the conversation above, it can be seen that Johnny is characterized as strong and tough guy. He bruises, bleeds, but he survives. In the early 1940s, there were many teenagers protested to United States because of the discrimination they were experienced. One of the incidents was Zoot- Suit Riots. They were wearing unique clothes and hairdo. They were called as pachuco. They just wanted to be the little tough guy, show off their clothing and the way they did their hairdo Castillo, 2008: 69. From this quotation it can be seen that these young Mexican Americans tried to show that they are strong and tough, even though they experienced discrimination a lot. 3. Revolucionario He is a revolutionary man. It can be seen from his name Revolucionario. As Sancho described, he is well- built, sturdy, and durable. SANCHO: Ah, a lover. He smiles meaningfully. Step right over here senorita. Introducing our standard Revolucionario. As you can see, he is well built, sturdy, and durable Valdez, 2000: 1011. The quotation above shows that Revolucionario is described as a well built and strong man. His characteristic is expected to illustrate how he can survive and struggle the unkind condition. At the war time many Mexican American people struggle to fight discrimination they experienced Castillo, 2008: 29. It can be said that during the war, Mexican people confronted the hard time. They should face the harsh condition of the war yet they also experienced the discrimination, because they were minority group. Sancho also says about a lover in the conversation with the Secretary, and then he introduces Revolucionario to her. It indirectly says that Revolucionario is a typical lover guy or romantic. “All Mexican people, whether rural or urban, began to understand the full impact of an increasingly Americanized society. They had become a marginalized group, separated from the Anglo society by language, culture, and economic power. In seeking ways of reducing the damaging effect of marginalization, many Mexican resorted to a unique strategy of romanticizing Mexican identity, both to reinforce a positive self image and to make their presence in American life seem less threatening to Anglos” Tamura, 2008: 118. The above quotation is taken from The History of Discrimination in U.S. Education shows that the influence of United States society makes them become inferior and separate in the neighborhood. The inferior status gives bad impact to Mexican people, to decrease the bad effect of the marginalization. They try to reveal the romantic identity in order to strengthen the positive self image and to make sure that their presence is not endangering the American citizen. However, at the end this effort did not succeed eliminating the discrimination, racism, or even segregation Tamura, 2008: 118. Revolucionario was made in Mexico. This is the reason what makes him rejected by the Secretary. Secretary cannot hire a Mexican product. SANCHO: And finally, there is one outstanding feature about this model I KNOW the ladies are going to love. He’s a genuine antique He was made in Mexico in 1910. SECRETARY: Made in Mexico? SECRETARY: Mr. Sancho, I thought he was an American product. SECRETARY: No, I’m sorry. We can’t buy anything but American- made products. He just won’t do. Valdez, 2000: 1011 From the conversation above, it can be understood that Revolucionario is obviously Mexican product which is made in the 1910. It can be concluded that he is truly Mexican guy. The following is the description from Honest Sancho about this model: SECRETARY: What does he do? SANCHO: You name it, he does it. He rides horses, stays in the mountains, crosses deserts, plains, rivers, lead revolutions, follows revolutions, kills, can be killed, serves as a martyr, hero Valdez, 2000: 1011 The conversation above shows the image of Revolucionario that is very strong, courageous and tough. He even can stay in the mountains, lead revolutions, kills, and can be killed. Those characteristics portray the real Mexican guy. The characteristics of Revolucionario are related to the condition of Mexican people in the war time. Many Mexican people especially Mexican men joined the World War II. They have variety of reasons why they wanted to volunteer themselves during the war. Some sought to escape poverty and discrimination at home, some said because of sense of manhood, loyalty, and patriotism Castillo, 2008: 50. This quotation implies that many Mexican men joined the war because they have senses of patriotism. It is signified as a brave action to take care of their country. It also reveals their loyalty. They tried to take care about their country to defend what they have. It is also one way to escape from discrimination they had. They tried to help American people in order to get an equal treatment, so they will not experience discrimination anymore. From the previous explanation, it is also said that Mexican people made an effort to build a good image in order they can be admitted by American neighborhood and also to prove that they are not endangering them. War makes them strong and tough. They also had grown to work harder than the other. Besides the war, the discrimination they faced makes them can endure the pain of being the second class neighborhood. In this story Revolucionario tries to reveal this value. The value about being a patriotic, loyal, and masculine or being true man, it is to survive and take care his country. As a man he also has to be strong in every condition. 4. Mexican- American From Sancho’s explanation, he is educated person, intelligent, well- mannered, polite, and clean. SANCHO: Well, we’ll just write that down. Yes, senorita, this model represents the apex of American engineering He is bilingual, college educated, ambitious Say the word “acculturate” and he accelerates. He is intelligent, well mannered, clean---- did I say clean? snap. Mexican- American raises his arm Smell. SECRETARY: Smells. Old Sobacco, my favorite. SANCHO: Snap. Mexican- American turns toward Sancho. Eric to Secretary We call him Eric Garcia. to Eric. I want you to meet Miss JIM- enez, Eric. MEXICAN- AMERICAN: Miss JIM-enez, I am delighted to make your acquaintance. He kisses her hand. SECRETARY: Oh my How charming Valdez, 2000: 1011 His attitude toward Secretary makes her happy. He is the ideal model that the secretary looks for. He is Mexican but he can be like an American. Secretary was very impressed when Mexican- American gave speech about Mexican people. MEXICAN- AMERICAN: Mr. Congressman, Mr. Chairman, members of the board, honored guests, ladies and gentlemen. Sancho and Secretary applaud. Please, please. I come before you as a Mexican- American to tell you about the problems of the Mexican. The problems of the Mexican stem from one thing and one thing alone. He’s stupid. He’s uneducated. He needs to stay in school. He needs to be ambitious, forward looking, harder working. He needs to think American, American, AMERICAN, AMERICAN, AMERICAN. GOD BLESS AMERICA GOD BLESS AMERICA He goes out of control. SECRETARY: Oh my He’s patriotic too Valdez, 2000: 1011 From the quotation above, Eric Garcia mentions about the problem of Mexican people who are stupid and lack of education. The Mexican people should go to school and work harder to change their destiny, and think to be more American. This speech is done to impress Secretary and makes her choose him to work in the office. His strategy to talk about the negative things of Mexican people makes the secretary feels amaze and decides to buy him. The long speech in English language also proves that he can use English in his conversation as well. However, after Secretary bought him, Mexican American says something about protesting to white people using Spanish language. MEXICAN- AMERICAN: RAZA QUERIDA, VAMOS LEVANTANDO ARMAS PARA LIBERARNOS DE ESTOS DESGRACIADOS GABACHOS QUE NOS EXPLOTAN VAMOS Valdez, 2000: 1012 The above utterance means “Beloved Raza, let’s pick up arms to liberate ourselves from those damned whites that exploit us Let’s go” Valdez, 2000: 1012. Eric Garcia tries to struggle from the discrimination that he and his friends experienced. He wants to be free from the pressure from white people who exploit him. When Secretary snaps another finger to stop Eric, but apparently it makes Eric turns toward Secretary and makes another opposition speech. The experience of being discriminated makes him want to fight back, in this text it is illustrated by giving the this speech, it indicates that he does not want to be controlled anymore. He does not follow what Secretary ask, so he does the opposite. MEXICAN- AMERICAN: ESTA GRAN HUMANIDAD HA DICHO BASTA Y SE PUESTO EN MARCHA BASTA BASTA VIVA LA RAZA VIVA LA CAUSA VIVA LA HUELGA VIVAN LOS BROWN BERETS VIVAN LOS ESTUDIANTES CHICANO POWER Valdez, 2000: 1012 This utterance means, “This great mass of humanity has said enough And it begins to march Enough Enough Long live La Raza Long live the Cause Long live the strike Long live the Brown Berets Long live the students Chicano power” Valdez, 2000: 1012. When the wartime, many chicanos joined the war. They fought to avoid discrimination and humiliation they felt. The segregation in school and public place also deeply felt by them. As a result for their participation and contribution to the war effort, they wanted an equal treatment. Mexican people formed organizations such as League of United Latin- American Citizen LULAC, Community Service Organization CSO, Mexican American Youth Organization MAYO. This is formed as a movement to fight the discrimination McLemore, 1980: 236. In the text, their movement is illustrated by Mexican American’s speech. This opposition is about to reject the bad treatments from America. He wants no more discrimination from America and expects for fair treatment and justice for him and his friends, Farmworker, Johnny, and Revolucionario. 5. Secretary She is a Mexican woman. It is obvious by seeing her name, hers has Spanish surname, Jimenez. Her job is a secretary in Governor Reagan’s office. She is a Mexican descent, but she speaks Spanish language a bit. She prefers to use English to communicate with people rather than with her native language. It reflects in her conversation with Sancho. She even does not want to pronounce her name with Spanish accent. She prefers to pronounce her name with Anglo pronunciation. Anglo is a term means American people. SANCHO: Ah, una chicana Welcome, welcome Senorita Jimenez. SECRETARY: Anglo pronunciation JIM- enez. SANCHO: Que? SECRETARY: My name is Miss JIM- enez. Don’t you speak English? Valdez, 2000: 1009 From the quotation above it can be seen that Miss Jimenez slowly tries to reveal her identity as an American. She only wants to have a conversation in English. She does not admit her nationality as one of Mexican descent. She looks for a Mexican type to work in the administration office, such as dark, economical, durable, and hard working. However, she wants a model that has characteristic of American, which is can speak English. When Secretary gets Farmworker who has the characteristics she wants but unfortunately he cannot speak English, she directly rejects him. This is the indication that Secretary discriminates people. Another treatment toward Farmworker is about differentiating his skin color. SECRETARY: Dark SECRETARY: But of course not too dark. SECRETARY: Perhaps, beige Valdez, 2000: 1009 From the quotation above, it can be said that Secretary also distinguishes the skin color of a person. She wants somebody with dark skin. However she immediately revised her words become she wants someone who has beige skin. Mexican people typically have dark complexion skin Samora, 2008: 8. Long time ago, if a person has dark skin color, he or she is considered to have bad behavior Hanes, 2007: 333. The idea that Mexican people mostly have a dark skin color and the stereotype about bad behavior of dark skin people makes Secretary rejects Farmworker. She gives the same attitude to Johnny Pachuco. When she knows that, Johnny is a criminal. She directly rejects him. SECRETARY: No, no, no We can’t have any more thieves in the State Administration. Put him back. Valdez, 2000: 1010 She does the same action to the next model, Revolucionario. Secretary almost chooses him before she knows that Revolucionario is the Mexican product. SECRETARY: Mr. Sancho, I thought he was an American product. SECRETARY: No, I’m sorry. We can’t buy anything but American- made products. He just won’t do. SECRETARY: I don’t care. You still don’t understand what we need. It’s true we need Mexican models such as these, but it’s more important that he be American. Valdez, 2000: 1011 She gives many reasons to reject the models, even though some models are appropriate with her criteria. From this point it can be concluded that Secretary is a selective woman. She is really concern about the criteria of the models. Those three models, Farmworker, Johnny Pachuco, and Revolucionario have characteristics that are appropriate with Secretary’s criteria, such as being hard worker, romantic, strong, and economical. However, they also have inadequacies, so that Secretary rejects them. 6. Honest Sancho Honest Sancho is the owner of the shop. He sells four models, Farmworker, Johnny Pachuco, Revolucionario, and Eric Garcia the Mexican American guy. According to Reaske, to characterize a person can be from his or her character in action. By looking at the character’s action, reader can immediately understand the character much better Reaske, 1966: 48. From Sancho’s action, it can be said that Sancho is a good seller. He sells his models by promoting them to the Secretary. However, he promotes them by saying the good side and bad side. He tries to be honest to Secretary. When Sancho offers Farmworker to Secretary, he directly says the good characteristics of Farmworker that he is a hardworking person, economical, and durable. However, Sancho has no doubt to explain the shortcoming of Farmworker who is uneducated and always strikes. The same action when Sancho introduces Johnny, at first Sancho says the good things of this model then he mentions the weaknesses about Johnny. He tells the truth about his models, although they have weaknesses. As the seller he tries his best to promote his models to the only one buyer, Secretary. He does his best to convince Secretary. He compares the requirements that she gave in order to get the suitable ones. To identify a character is by seeing the dialogue of the characters Reaske, 1966: 47. From the dialogue below, it shows that Sancho uses Spanish language a lot. SANCHO: Bueno, bueno, mis monos, vamos a ver a quien vendermos ahora, no? to audience Quihubo I’m Honest Sancho and this is my shop. Antes fui contratista pero ahora logre tener mi negocito. All I need now is a customer. A bell rings offstage Ay, a customer. SECRETARY: Entering Good morning. I’m Miss Jimenez from ---- SANCHO: Ah, una chicana Welcome, welcome Senorita Jimenez. SECRETARY: Anglo pronunciation JIM- enez. SANCHO: Que? SECRETARY: My name is Miss JIM- enez. Don’t you speak English? Valdez, 2000: 1009 From the very beginning Sancho introduces himself with Spanish language. He also greets Secretary by calling her “Senorita”, senorita is Spanish language which means “Miss”. Even he pronounces Miss Jimenez’s name with Spanish or Mexican accent. Sancho wants to reveal his identity as a Mexican people, although he also can speak English fluently. Sancho is also characterized as a persistent man. It can be seen from his action toward the Secretary. Secretary has many criteria to get what she wants, she refuses Farmworker, but Sancho quickly introduces Johnny Pachuco to her. After knowing about the fact that Johnny is typical Mexican gangster and she rejects this model. However, Sancho brings another models to her, it is Revolucionario. Secretary rejects Revolucionario because he is Mexican product. Then Sancho introduces Eric Garcia, the Mexican American guy to the Secretary. As a seller, he has an ability to persuade people. Another good characteristic of Sancho is that he is an honest person. He says all about the characteristics of the four models. By the end of the story, Sancho is revealed that he is the real model in that store. Farmworker, Johnny, and Revolucionario are the opposite, they are human. REVOLUCIONARIO: To audience. He’s the best model we got Ajua Exit. Valdez, 2000: 2012 Sancho is the real model in this store. He is used by Farmworker, Johnny Pachuco, Revoulucionario, and Mexican American to pretend as a seller. Sancho is a tool that is used by Mexican people to tease American people.

B. The Type of Racial Discrimination