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Hey Laredo friends! I saw some of y'all questioning the origins of the WBCA festival and I want to share what I learned! I did a whole research presentation on this for my sociology class bc it’s so fucking strange sooo here's a thread!
TW// white elitism
TW// white elitism
The first thing I did was go on the WBCA website and found that the “history” or “origin” of the celebration is basically misleading bullshit. Honestly, I wasn't surprised. Here's what's listed on their website:
There was a “battle” between natives and white men in Laredo in 1898
“Defenders” surrendered and gave "Cheif Sachem” a key to the city
“Cheif Sachem” gave the key to "Pocahontas” to show peace and celebrated for 2 days
Original Planners were both Mexicanos & Texans
“Defenders” surrendered and gave "Cheif Sachem” a key to the city
“Cheif Sachem” gave the key to "Pocahontas” to show peace and celebrated for 2 days
Original Planners were both Mexicanos & Texans
All the quotations are confusing, right? So I decoded it
“Battle” = staged
“Natives” = white men dressed in traditional native clothing
“Pocahontas” = white woman
Original Planners = Improved Order of Red Men, “Yaqui Tribe” 59 Led by the Anglo elite of Laredo
Here they are!
“Battle” = staged
“Natives” = white men dressed in traditional native clothing
“Pocahontas” = white woman
Original Planners = Improved Order of Red Men, “Yaqui Tribe” 59 Led by the Anglo elite of Laredo
Here they are!
NONE OF THIS IS ON THE WBCA WEBSITE
This specific organization in Laredo consisted of the most powerful men in the city and they wanted to establish American dominion over a city that celebrated Mexican traditions. That is why you don't see 16 de Septiembre as celebrated citywide
This specific organization in Laredo consisted of the most powerful men in the city and they wanted to establish American dominion over a city that celebrated Mexican traditions. That is why you don't see 16 de Septiembre as celebrated citywide
The WBCA was made by the elite, ruling class in Laredo and CONTINUES to be exclusively for them.
You have to be in the association to be in the Martha Washington and Pocahontas Court
Costumes for the Courts cost upwards of $20,000
You have to be in the association to be in the Martha Washington and Pocahontas Court
Costumes for the Courts cost upwards of $20,000
Have any of you guys seen the El Abrazo ceremony? Yeah, me neither!
One of the few events that celebrate the unity of Mexico and the U.S. ISN’T open to the public!
It isn’t even listed on the City of Laredo events website!
One of the few events that celebrate the unity of Mexico and the U.S. ISN’T open to the public!
It isn’t even listed on the City of Laredo events website!
Not only does the WBCA come from a racist, classist background, but it also isn’t even fucking honest about it!
It blatantly flaunts wealth in a city with an average household income of $39,000 a year and where 30% of the population lives below the poverty line
It blatantly flaunts wealth in a city with an average household income of $39,000 a year and where 30% of the population lives below the poverty line
If you wanna get even more upset, go on their website, look at their board of executives,, yeaaah it does not represent Laredo’s demographic
While I'm here, stan remolinos on mines, bring back Taco n' Madre ok bye
