DIfficulty

So far, the greatest difficulty presented to me by this book is just finding the time to read it. as ive posted about before, i have a very busy schedule. juggling 6 classes, work, and new found family drama does not leave much time for reading. when i get home from work, around 10 at night, i lay in bed and read until i fall asleep. unfortunately sleep comes quickly after a long day, and i typically only get 3 pages in at a time. the weekends hold the most amount of time. i am very grateful for this three day weekend because i am able to catch up on everything. reading, blogging, and other homeworks are slowly being checked off of my list :D
Other than finding time to read the book, In Dubious Battle is also difficult in context. though the book does take place in San Jose (the city i have lived in for all 19 years of my life) there is a time barrier which makes the city very foreign. It is very hard to imagine San Jose as anything other than a busy city with endless miles of sidewalks and housing. when reading, i picture the book taking place in selma. (a small farming town about 3 hours from san jose) this is easy to do because the book never really says it takes place in SJ.
to get a better understanding for the time period, i often ask my parents and grandma about their younger days, back when orchards were the norm. my family has lived within this cities limits for two generations, so i am very lucky to have primary sources. My grandmother especially has been a big help. she was born in the 30s and witnessed 70 years of local history. hearing her stories has put the books setting into a more realistic perspective. this is largely because i can picture the older generations of my own family dealing with similar circumstances that Jim and Mac are facing.

Reader Response

Out of all the things Mac and Jim have done on their journey so far, one act in particular remains to be the boldest. This is when the pair help deliver London's daughter-in-law's baby. Here, Mac convinces everyone, including Jim, that he is a trained medical professional who is qualified to deliver babies. Mac is so successful with his actions, that he establishes his authority, gains total trust from London, and unifies the men, all in one night. Mac later reveals his lack of education in medicine. he has never had any training and has never participated in a birth before.
Mac proves to be a highly intelligent and tactful individual. he is bold enough to impersonate a doctor, smart enough to execute his plan smoothly, and observant enough to recognize this opportunity in the first place. He tells Jim that it is highly important to take advantage of any opportunity which will promote their party's cause.

UFW Brainstorm

When i think of Farm Workers Rights and US labor Movement, the first person who comes to mind is Cesar Chaves. I did a project on him back in 8th grade, but my knowledge is very limited. i know that he was the leader of the National Farm Workers Association. The United Farm Workers of America was a result of the NFWA being merged with Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee.

This image is of the UFW flag. The leaders of the UFW movement wanted to establish colors to go along with the cause. they wanted their symbol to be relatable. Picking the eagle on the mexican flag was the best choice. they then simplified it so it could be reproduced quickly. 

Ongoing struggle  

I think this image represents the ongoing struggle in the US. This person is standing strong, yet has a worn look on his face. The sign he holds reads huelga, with the symbol of UFW above it. Huelga means strike in spanish. this photo has a very desperate and persistent mood to it. it looks as if this protest has been going on for a while. and that certainly reflects the reality of the situation.