Milagro Beanfield War
The Milagro Beanfield War chronicles how local, traditional culturesthat are deemed incompatible with modernization. This is seen in thetensions between Chicano communities in Milagro, New Mexico and the landdevelopment corporation that wants to turn the community into a resortcommunity and golf course. When Joe Mondragon irrigates his makeshiftbeanfield with water diverted from a stream that "belongs" to developerLadd Devine, the farmer/handyman becomes a catalyst that brings these The conflict theorists offer a good framework for a sociologicalanalysis of the events depicted in The Milagro Beanfield War. Theconflict perspective sees society as being composed of different groupswith contradictory interests. Conflict theorists are critical offunctionalists, who believe that these disparate interests can be resolvedamicably. Instead, theorists like Karl Marx have argued that ruling classinterests will come to dominate over the needs of others. Members of theruling class would use all the means at their disposal in order to assuretheir interests are served, including money, political connections andother social institutions. This is true, even when these inter
The old man who holdsconversations with Coyote angel, an unseen but prescient spirit who warnsAmarante of things yet to come. These factors combine to make it difficult for the residents ofMilagro to assert their rights. These struggles, between old and new, between tradition and"progress," between rich and poor illustrate the heart of the conflictperspective. Ruby wants the villagers to fight, but many others point tothe advantages of the resort town. In addition tothe class conflict between corporate developers and poor farmers, TheMilagro Beanfield War also touches on how an uncritical approach todevelopment also erodes traditional culture and beliefs. Ladd's development corporation promisesjobs and prosperity, a tempting offer to the poverty-stricken residents ofMilagro. The death of the area's Hispanic heritage is best illustrated in thecharacter of Amarante, who is crotchety and probably senile. Besides, conflict theorists believe that members of the ruling class willuse all the means at their disposal to restrict social change. This simple act galvanizes others in thetown, such as Ruby Archuleta, the local garage owner turned activist. When the residents gather for a town meeting, the results are far fromagreement. In many ways, Amarante personifies manydying elements of Milagro's Chicano heritage. Faced withthe impending development, it seems difficult for Milagro to continueremaining a sleepy, colorful village steeped in Mexican-American heritage. As aresult, supposed "public" servants like the governor are eager toaccommodate Ladd's needs while turning a blind eye to how his actions arecausing havoc in Milagros. Rounding out the castof ruling class interests are Ladd's ditzy wife Flossie, state policeofficer and hired gun Montana and even the incompetent state governor.
Common topics in this essay:
Beanfield War,
Charlie Bloom,
Ladd Montana,
Milagro's Chicano,
Joe Mondragon,
Karl Marx,
Ladd Devine,
Ruby Archuleta,
Milagro Mexico,
ruling class,
Amarante Amarante,
beanfield war,
conflict perspective,
milagro beanfield war,
milagro beanfield,
conflict theorists,
development corporation,
means disposal,
class means disposal,
golf course,
milagro town,
joe mondragon,
ruling class means,
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Acceptance Essays
