María Fernanda Araya Acuña

Prof. Rómulo Vega González

LM-1352 English Rhetoric 1

May 27th, 2023

A Terrible Tragedy in Mexican History: Todd Chretien’s article: “1968: The massacre in

Tlatelolco”

In his article “1968: The massacre in Tlatelolco”, Todd Chretien describes the brutal

attack by the military on protesting students at Plaza de las Culturas on October 2, 1968,

emphasizing the continuous endeavors aimed at revealing the truth about this event. The

Tlatelolco massacre continues to cast a long shadow over Mexican politics and it is a cultural

reference point demonstrating the unfair acts of the army, the desperate attempts of society to

seek justice, and the nefarious corruption of the government.

First, thousands of students gathered in Plaza de las Tres Culturas to protest the

Mexican government's oppression, as a response, the government deployed armed troops to

brutally suppress and inflict violence upon the students expressing their dissent. In addition,

Elena Poniatowska mentioned the terrible events, picturing the scene as a horror movie with

blood on the buildings, screams, and an entire place destroyed.

Second, Mexicans, horrified by the massacre perpetrated by their government, try to

seek justice for the victims of the attack. For example, “radical Mexican students organized a

march on July 26, hoping the threat of disruption of the impending Olympic Games would

shine a light on their cause.” (Chretien, 2018) but the government remains resilient to these

acts, making the students' protests even worse. The downfall of specific political parties,

along with Obrador’s electoral triumph, brought hope with the opportunity to pursue justice

by acknowledging the students' demands. Finally, the massacre exposes the unfairness and

corruption in a government’s unwavering will to go to any lengths to preserve its interests.

The Olympics revealed the corruption and oppressive actions of the Mexican government
because they tried to hide the truth behind a mask. However, the collective anger and

awareness among the stadium attendees exposed their true nature.

The Tlatelolco massacre serves as a powerful reminder of the corruption that plagued

the Mexican government in 1968. The Mexican government's brutal response to the peaceful

student protest revealed the acts of injustice it had committed. However, the Mexican people

displayed determination to seek justice and honor the memory of the courageous students

who lost their lives.

 Outline

Original title 1968: The massacre in Tlatelolco

I. The Tlatelolco massacre continues to cast a long shadow over Mexican politics and it is a

cultural reference point that demonstrates the unfair acts of the army, the desperate attempts

of society to seek for justice and the nefarious corruption of the government.

II. Context about Tlatelolco massacre

A. Words of an activist about the massacre

III. Acts of revenge

A. AMLO’s victory

B. Marches and Protests

IV. Corruption of the government

A. The Olympics exposed the reality of Mexico

Conclusion

The Tlatelolco massacre serves as a powerful reminder of the corruption that plagued

the Mexican government in 1968. The Mexican government's brutal response to the peaceful

student protest revealed the acts of injustice it had committed. However, the Mexican people

displayed determination to seek justice and honor the memory of the courageous students

who lost their lives.

 Works Cited

Chretien, Todd. “1968: The massacre in Tlatelolco.” 2 Oct. 2018