Oscar Zeta Acosta is probably not a name that rings immediate bells; a famous Chicano lawyer who fought for the rights of his people, while getting high.
Two books were written during his time, before his mysterious disappearance in 1974. As no body was ever discovered, his whereabouts, his existence, nor word from him has ever reached anyone since. His son had recommissioned the publishing of his only two complete works: The Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo and The Revolt of the Cockroach People. This review focuses on the second book.
Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo ended with Oscar trying to find peace and solace by becoming a preacher for Christianity and instilling in others the belief and trust of Jesus Christ. He felt he had found a reason and a purpose in the heart of the South American jungle.
The opening of The Revolt of the Cockroach people begins with a chapter regarding the “storming” of a Church by 300 hundred Chicano’s intent on removing the richest of the rich from the richest Church in Los Angeles. Oscar is up to his usual no good, for all the right reasons. Now associating himself with the Chicano militants, Oscar is about to embark on a journey involving militant revolt against the policing system, against the legal system, and the proactive militant actions against those stamping down on the Chicano rebels.
associating himself with the Chicano militants, Oscar is about to embark on a journey involving militant revolt
Oscar’s reputation proceeds him, and as he attends the reactionary events launched by the Chicano militants, and even instigated and perpetuated by Oscar himself fails to land him into trouble, with everyone being aware of his ability to prosecute and win, to use and manipulate the system for the greater good, the cops, priests and anyone else who appears to be in the path of Oscar’s wrath often warn their colleagues, “don’t touch the lawyer”. Oscar’s frustration at being left off while his friends are in jail, suffering under the bullshit charges alleged against them, he now begins to plan and co-ordinate methods in which he can use this to his advantage.
We read as Oscar manipulates and congregates the press to his advantage, forcing the justice system and the enforcers of the justice system to listen and obey in front of the cameras that fall upon them. At the same time, another political struggle runs parallel with the battle in LA; that of the national presidential elections. A catch 22 for the Chicano’s who are both an important vote, and also a hindrance to others, they are caught between the political angst between the candidates – neither here nor there, often ignored, and then requested to assist in campaigning for “their future”. It is only Oscar and his companions that try to make their fellow men and women aware of the atrocity that is the political vote, and how they can use to their advantage.
Besides the seriousness of the topic of political ramblings, and social oppression of the majority minority in LA, Oscar still returns to his identity – having now completed his journey and found peace within himself and what his duty is to his people, and who he belongs to, he still emphasises and discusses the validity of understanding where he is from and who he is. It’s poignant, but perhaps over zealous in its prominence at times.
Comparisons with the first title are inevitable as this is essentially a direct sequel. This differs in many ways to the original, in so far as the first title was a road journey of sorts, and the setting was constantly moving. It was about Oscar’s experience with women, or initial lack of, his lack of self-confidence and relentless fury of the first book has become an energetic motivation and drive in the second, with a self-confidence rising above that of others. Even at his lowest ebb, Oscar manages to pertain himself to moving forward, knocking down the obstacles of ass kissers and racist bigots.
he still emphasises and discusses the validity of understanding where he is from and who he is
One of the funniest moments of the first book was Oscar’s first experience with acid and his conversation with Owl during that moment. Ingenious and creative writing that made you laugh your ass off. There are several hilarious scenes in the book, but most of that is left for the court room, in particular the latter third of the book. At the same time, the mix of irony and wry humour is more intelligent in this title than the first.
Oscar’s second title is the better book, if only because the first title could be considered the back story, the stuff that you should know to improve your knowledge and understanding of why Oscar does what he does. The former book is also a little tranquil, entertaining though it is, it is not the hedonistic and malevolent diablo that is portrayed in the second book. In fact, I would say that the books are opposites. Think of the first title as Star Wars, and the second as The Empire Strikes Back. The second is darker, has more of the action, and gives you more satisfaction when reading. It engages you more immediately, whereas the first title is the grounding, the depth of what is to come. It’s important, but it isn’t necessary.
The book also deals with more fictionalised issues of real events. The rallies against the oppression, the murder of Chicano’s and cases which Oscar takes up to both humiliate the justice system, and also to further the awareness of the plight of his people, the riots and participation of the church in it’s invalid use of it’s authority and power against innocent and poor civilians from an already small minority.
It is as fascinating as it is entertaining and amusing. It makes you think while making you laugh, and although perhaps Oscar’s behaviour and that of his colleagues cannot be completely condoned (under age innuendo is laid bare, but not engaged as far as I recall), it adds to the honesty of a man who chooses to tell it like he sees it, instead of hiding behind the veil of a pen and paper.
Verdict: Superbly entertaining – finally a sequel that excels it’s predecessor.