The 1960s was a time of protest and pride for many minorities, including America's often marginalized and disenfranchised Hispanics. Mexican-American journalist Rubén Salazar, the product of a conservative Hispanic caste system, married an Anglo woman and boasted impeccable journalistic credentials (including a press tour covering the war in Vietnam), yet continued to feel like he was living between two cultures—trying to become a "half-assed American." Filmmaker Phillip Rodriguez's PBS-aired documentary examines Salazar's quest for both self-identity and justice for his people. Sadly, his life was cut short in August 1970, when a police tear gas projectile fired into a bar (where Salazar had sought shelter during a violent street protest) killed him instantly. The film covers Salazar's still relevant concerns on issues such as immigration, drug enforcement, border security, and coping with living in a time of rapidly changing Hispanic culture in California and the Southwest. Salazar became increasingly aware of injustices, and sometimes wound up blurring the line between activist and journalist. A friend said that Salazar "didn't like cops" (understandably, since he was monitored by the police and FBI). His colleagues at the Los Angeles Times describe Salazar as a committed but still evolving figure. Was he targeted by police, becoming a civil rights martyr? Man in the Middle looks at the half-hearted follow-up inquest, as well as conspiracy theories, but generally presents a balanced view of an imperfect man who suffered a premature, violent death. Combining excerpts from Salazar's work with contemporary and archival interviews, this title serves up a good investigation into the life of an important but little known figure. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)
Rubén Salazar: Man in the Middle
(2013) 60 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-60883-970-4. Volume 29, Issue 5
Rubén Salazar: Man in the Middle
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