Tuesday, July 27, 2010

When You Can Make Fun Of It Back Then: Born In East L.A. By Cheech And Chong




One of the most heated debates that is happening in the U.S. today is the new illegal immigration law in Arizona where people can stopped and asked for their papers and if they don't have any, they'll be deported. Those on the right believe that its the only way to stop criminals from entering their territory who are now wrecking havoc in Arizona as well as other border states. Opponents say that the law is unjust because it leads to racial profiling as well as violates basic human rights. I remember how people who slipped in the America illegally did so because they either fled persecution or wanted a better life and because of that, there were times when they can make fun of that situation. One song that did was "Born In East L.A." by Cheech And Chong.

The song was taken from Bruce Spring's "Born In The U.S.A." and was the soundtrack from the film of the same name. It tells how a legitimate american citizen got deported to Mexico and his many attempts to get back. It may not have been as funny as their previous films but it had its moments. It also featured some extras who later went on to have careers of their own. Still, it showed that for a lot of people, America was the land of opportunity which is why people who want a better life will go to any lengths just to go there.

Times have changed and because of the drug wars as well as 9/11, people are now making drastic steps to close the border. For me, this is a very difficult situation for everyone involved. Apart from the growing crime rate, it also encourages businesses who don't follow proper labor laws to employ illegals and pay them low wages. I do so hope that this gets resolved with both parties agreeing to a solution that they both like because there some there who really want a better life and these criminals are ruining their chance to get it. Still this video and song was funny back then and it still is now.

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