Danza Indigenas Controversy in Baldwin Park

The anti-immigrant group Save Our State (SOS) is calling for the destruction of Danza Indigenas, a public artwork the conservative group opposes because... in their words, it promotes the return of "the Southwestern US to Mexico." SOS, which supports the Minutemen vigilante group in Arizona, have posted on their website that "Californians are tired of watching their communities turn into Third World cesspools as a result of a massive invasion of illegal aliens." The ultra-nationalistic organization has been attacking Danza Indigenas (which was commissioned by the MTA and designed by Chicana artist, Judy Baca), because the public artwork has sandblasted upon its surface the statements "It was better before they came", and "This land was Mexican once, was Indian always and is, and will be again" - a quote from Chicana author and feminist, Gloria Anzaldúa. SOS sees the quotes as evidence of a nefarious brown plot to take over Califas and turn it over to the Mexican government... so they are demanding of the Baldwin city government that the "offensive and seditious" words be removed from Baca's artwork before the American Independence weekend... or they'll "take further steps" to insure removal. SOS has called for a protest at the monument on Saturday May 14th, 2005, at which they will further press their demands for the artworks destruction, as well as the purging of Califas of all "illegals." A counter protest has been called by those wanting to defend indigenous culture, immigrant workers rights, and an artist's right to free expression. Counter protestors are also condemning the racism and xenophobia of SOS and its followers. The defenders of Danza Indigenas include the organizations, MECHA, Southern California Human Rights Network, and the International Action Center. Artist Judy Baca will also attend the counter-protest to defend her artwork. The protest in support of Danza Indigenas will take place at the monument on Saturday May 14th, from noon until 2 pm, at the Metrolink Station, 3875 Downing Ave., Baldwin Park, California 91706. (Map)