Leticia Neria PhD thesis - Research@StAndrews:FullText ...

Peasant: Ya va pa’treinta años de aguantarlo [referring to Don Perpeuto]
(…)
Two men: ¡Nos muerde y roba!, ¡Queremos justicia!
209
Calzonzin: Wait a minute, wait a minute, pa’todos hay [sic], nomás que
no se me amontonen [sic]. (Calzonzin asks everyone to organise and take
turns speaking. The woman starts complaining)
Market seller woman: Que me ‘patian’ [sic] señor. Arrastran a mi
morralito que es mi hijo, roban mi fruta y se la tragan y sacan centavos
de mi itacate. Y por si fuera poco, le meten la mano a una y la perjudican.
(panning the humble peasants from San Garabato from Calzonzin’s
perspective with slow music. We see Calzonzin moved by the sincerity
and poverty of the people)
Peasant: ¡También señor, queremos decirle lo de ese par de matones!
(pointing to Lechuzo and Arsenio who just arrived at the
demonstration) 140
The scene is softened by Calzonzin’s use of English, which is an incongruity. The
people complain about the length of time Perpetuo has held power (there is no re-
election in Mexico and no one is allowed to hold power for more than six years), as well
as his dishonesty and corruption. Even his name is revealing: Perpetuo, suggesting how
long he has been, and will be, in power: forever.
The crowd carries on complaining. They explain how the policemen are violent
with women and children, they steal, molest women and have even killed people, one of
the attendants calls them ‘matones’. However, although their abuse is a serious issue,
we all get some revenge when the people begin beating them with their hats and
slapping them on the head. That does not change reality, but it gives us a chance to
attack those who offend us.
140 Arau, Calzonzin Inspector, 1973.