Grossmont College Always Running by Luis J Rodriguez Chapter 6 to 10 Questions Paper

Chapter 6

1. In the book, how does the Los Angeles school system perpetuate segregation? In regards to Luis’ specific case, how might school officials have justified their actions to themselves?
2. On page 156, Luis begins to attend Chente’s study sessions, where topics of study include politics, philosophy, and economics (what comprise the dynamics of “social revolution”). He goes on to declare that the members of these sessions made “dead things come alive” by taking “what seemed obvious and prov[ing] the direct opposite.” What does Luis mean by the “dead things” that “come alive”? What do you think he means by what “seem[s] obvious and proving the direct opposite.”
3. Interpret the following quote and explain what it means:
   “An invitation to abandon illusions about a situation is an invitation to abandon a situation in need of illusions.”

Chapter 7

1. Analyze the following quote from the beginning of the chapter:

“When the hanging’s done and the embers at the burning stake are grayed and cold, the conquered bodies of martyrs become unconquerable ideas.”

What does this quote mean? Consider the context of the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement mentioned in the novel. Who are the “martyrs” whose “conquered bodies” “become unconquerable ideas”? What are the “unconquerable ideas”?

2. The Watts Rebellion of 1965 was a part of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s. On page 164, Luis declares that the fires of the Watts riots “swept through America” and made it turn “toward(s) its greatest fears and hardest questions.” What are these “fears” and “questions”?

Chapter 8

1. How did the death of Miguel Robles manage to bring together members of both Sangra and Lomas? Despite this however, some members of both gangs are said to not “want peace.” Why would these individuals feel this way? Why would they wish for hostilities to continue?

Chapter 9

1. On page 218, Luis considers how far he has come along, recalling how he was treated as a “pariah” when first attending school in Watts as a child, and “labeled a failure” in high school. Is what Luis accomplished possible for everyone? Why or why not?
2. . On page 219, Luis notes that the “Spanish had been beaten out of (him) in the early years of school while he simultaneously failed to “learn English very well either.” He declares that this is the “predicament of many Chicanos.” What does he mean by this last statement? How are Chicanos (Mexican-Americans) trapped in a sense by their dual-cultural heritage? How does this lead to their marginalization?

Chapter 10

1. . How does Chente convince Luis that the Lomas barrio and gang are in fact insignificant? Why do you think Chente’s argument is successful?
2. Why is Luis’ encounter with Sangra leader Chava at the end of the book fitting? Why is this encounter significant? What does it show about Luis?