REVOLUTIONARY OR ACTIVIST?
There are different branches of this Chicano Movement; cultural, spiritual, educational, political, financial, and military.
The Movement encompasses these branches, blurring the lines between them and engaging conscious Chicana/o activists in numerous aspects, although some, dubbed “Chipsters” (Chicano-hipsters) merely adopt superficial elements of Chicanismo without genuinely committing to their community’s betterment, fading away to pursue less impactful endeavors. They will only participate in those things that are “safe” and don't require too much of a commitment from them. Then one day, they are are gone. Poof... dust in the wind. Next time you see them they are working for a Democrat, Republican or worse- they just go back to living their ordinary lives.
We are not like most activists, in fact we are not “activists”, we are militants, revolutionaries, we are the military branch of the Chicano Movement.
We are not ordinary activists; as Brown Berets, we are militants and revolutionaries dedicated to the Chicano Movement, understanding that the seriousness of our commitment places our lives at risk, not merely a trend or a performative display. We take an oath with seriousness of heart knowing full well that every time we put it on, we are putting our lives on the line. It is not a fad for us, it is our way of life, a life of military service for our people. We are not Boy or Girl Scouts doing charity work or ROTC, we are Brown Berets, a militant revolutionary organization.
We have a military structure that allows us to have the discipline necessary to organize, mobilize and protect our communities throughout Turtle Island.
We are committed to self-defense, and we will protect our Raza and ourselves at all costs. No revolutionary organization is successful without the good will of its people, so we build consensus through grass roots community outreach.
The Brown Berets operate independently, free from borders, associations, or political correctness, and while we welcome dialogue with others, we remain steadfast in our purpose and direction, unperturbed by external opinions.
Do we only defend Chicanos?
The truth is we don't live in a bubble.
We acknowledge that our struggles are interconnected...
and while we primarily focus on defending Indigenous Chicano causes, we support our Black, Asian, and Middle Eastern allies when their issues align with our mission, though we recognize our limitations and the potential discomfort our presence may cause some. We are not baby-sitters, we are not pacifist-hippies walking around with flowers. If we are met with aggression we are ready and willing to respond accordingly, and that might not be what some people want.
We understand that.
Although there are some groups who attempt to water down our message, and dress down, in order to make us more palatable to the community... that is a complete misrepresentation and bastardization of who we are. We cannot and will never compromise our position. To do so is a slap in the face to the Brown Berets who fought, were arrested as political prisoners, bled, and died to build us this legacy. We will carry on their legacy and remain the guardians of our people.
