As the epitome of Chicano revolutionary literature, this novel is a disgrace. As a symbol for every Chicano, this novel is anything but inspirational. A doped up law-breaking minority sexual abusing lawyer is leading the front of the Chicano revolution against the pigs and gabachos that hold every Mexican down . . . in America.
The struggles for equal rights seem to be well documented as to the true monumental figures for Chicano Rights Movement, with a few scenes containing Cesar Chavez and Corky Gonzales. Oscar Zeta Acosta, or “Buffalo”, in comparison, is a revolutionary anarchist. He seems to have no focus in his movements, but does what others tell him. His friendly revolutionaries want him to represent Robert Fernandez, and he does. That sets into motion a series of events that lead him to the questioning of every judge in the court. His argumentation in court is recorded laughably, and his case, if represented correctly, is laughable as well. He continuously badgers not only his witnesses, but the judge and opposing counsel as well. I personally don’t know how he ever made it past the bar test.
However, these are forgivable offenses. Sure, he doesn’t take anything seriously, has little real fear of getting caught by the law, the law which he himself is a representative of. He carries guns illegally in his home and houses fellow anarchists that have done several illegal acts. However, there are two influences in the novel which cannot be overlooked. The fist one is the apparent sexist theme. There is no major female character in this novel that is not somehow projected as sexually motivated. Secondly, the sexual abuse of two young related teenagers.
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