Vietnam Generation Volume 1 Number 2 A White Man's War: Race Issues and Article 5 Vietnam 4-1989 Soldados Razos: Issues of Race in Vietnam War Drama David J. DeRose Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.lasalle.edu/vietnamgeneration Part of the American Studies Commons Recommended Citation DeRose, David J. (1989) "Soldados Razos: Issues of Race in Vietnam War Drama," Vietnam Generation: Vol. 1 : No. 2 , Article 5. Available at: http://digitalcommons.lasalle.edu/vietnamgeneration/vol1/iss2/5 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by La Salle University Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Vietnam Generation by an authorized editor of La Salle University Digital Commons. For more information, please contact
[email protected]. Sold Ados Razos: Issu es o f R a c e iN V ie t n a m W a r D r a m a D A vid J. D e R o se In Vietnam Campesino, Luis Valdez’s 1970 agitprop play, a white militarist, satirically named General Defense, rounds up young Chicano laborers to fight in Vietnam. He is assisted by his allegorical henchman, “El Draft,” a tall figure with a death’s mask, shrouded in an American flag. “What’s the matter with you. Draft,” the General scolds, “Haven’t I told you to stick to the minorities?”1 Despite his reprimand, the General does not appear to need much help from El Draft. As he tells one wealthy white father, “Mexicans are pouring into the army.” "We just give ’em a pretty little uniform, a few pesos, a blessing from mamacita, and wham-o, they’re on the frontlines.