Cesar Chavez and the Common Sense of Nonviolence

by José-Antonio Orosco

Cesar Chavez has long been heralded for his personal practice of nonviolent resistance in struggles against social, racial, and labor injustices. However, the works of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. have long overshadowed Chavez's contributions to the theory of nonviolence. José-Antonio Orosco seeks to elevate Chavez as an original thinker, providing an analysis of what Chavez called "the common sense of nonviolence." By engaging Chavez in dialogue with a variety of political theorists and philosophers, Orosco demonstrates how Chavez developed distinct ideas about nonviolent theory that are timely for dealing with today's social and political issues, including racism, sexism, immigration, globalization, and political violence.

Genres: Philosophy

151 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2008

About the author

Jose-Antonio Orosco is Professor of Philosophy and Ethnic Studies at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon.

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and thorough in its scope. Quick read on the underlining philosophy of Cesar Chavez. Documented with his speeches and actions and contrasted to other great peace activists of our time.

[CindyGil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapter 1. Pilgrimage,penitence, and revolution: the logic of nonviolence stirred all sorts of emotions and flashbacks to incidents of growing up in south central LA. So much had occurred since Cesar Chavez and La Causa and yet so much remains unchanged.

[Mary C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing, Jose Antonio Orosco is a great scholar and a wonderful speaker. This makes connections to all kinds of injustices and highlights the uniqueness of Cesar Chavez character and mission. If you are looking for a book that highlights all kinds of injustice and make strong connections between them, this is the book for you. He also talks throughly about why violence appeals to so many in certain demographics, and why Cesar Chavez's approach to nonviolence was a unique aspect of his identity and upbringing in the USA.

[Geoffrey Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This turned out to be a great choice to use in one of the courses I teach--Foundations of Peace and Justice, which focusses primarily on the principles and practices of nonviolence. Students really seemed to enjoy it, and I liked it because it not only provides an accessible overview to Chavez's major accomplishments and contributions, but it also does so in the context of Chican@ and gender studies. I'm fairly confident I'll use it again next year.

[Bruce Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great contextual discussion of Chavez's philosophy and rhetoric. More extensive examples of the texts would have been useful.