A Barrio and World Power
It is never too late to find and face weaknesses — my own weaknesses first.
A small barrio in Tucson. A wide window on America.
Chuck and his friend Ray take you on an intellectual tour. Events in a small barrio in Tucson, Arizona open a wide window into what needs to change in the United States — and how to go about doing it.
As crisis strengthens and weakens the country from the inside — viruses, school arguments, bureaucratic decisions, directives in education, religion and politics — Chan argues we can deal with cultural conflict by sharing the power, where power means the capacity to create positive change in oneself and in what is around us.
Spoken in a fresh and captivating way, Chuck Chan tackles controversial issues with harsh words and powerful thoughts.
This book deals with how to expose, use, abuse and share power. The evolving emphasis on sharing is dedicated to you, the reader. Use it well.— Chuck Chan
Three threads run through every chapter
Self-Discovery
An honest search for his own weaknesses — and the strengths that grow from facing them.
Power
How power is exposed, used, abused and, finally, shared. It all began with speaking up at a public meeting.
Culture & History
From El Tiradito Shrine and La Pilita at Simpson and Main, a barrio’s story becomes America’s story.
Watch: A Barrio and World Power
Finding my own weaknesses
Though this book is a work of fiction, its result is from memory-facts. Many mesmerizing outcomes ensued from things I did not at first want to do, but did, a jinx that will follow me all through this narrative. My recollections of facts may differ from others. Who is to say whose memory is more factual, as memory can be subjective?
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Some names have been changed because I don’t wish to misspell them, don’t remember them, or do not want them to call me in the middle of the night to complain that their memories are different from mine.
Prejudice and discrimination were common during the time and place of this story, and I may share in some of it, since many events and decisions took place outside my awareness. Those good people, better than me, not known and/or never mentioned, whose real power resulted in successes in this story more critical than anything I did, or didn’t do, are the kind of people I am most fond of.
It all began the day I opened my big mouth at a public meeting that ended with some city and government officials engaged in questionable and illegal activities, drastically changing my outlook on life. I try to find and undo my own weaknesses and develop my strengths in the use and misuse of power.
How many people may have stood at the corner of Simpson and Main Avenue, with a smile gazing at the legend of El Tiradito Shrine and La Pilita building, and have as remarkable a story to tell as I do?
Read the story. Share the power.
Order the paperback today, or reach out to Chuck about readings, book clubs and events.
Contact: chanchuck1945@gmail.com · (786) 926-1519