Introduction to Interview

For my oral history interview I chose to interview my grandpa. My interview is different from the other ones not only because it is in Spanish, but also since it is not focused on one historical event in particular. I had always known that my (maternal) Grandfather had a lot to say, and have known him to be wise and reflective, but did not know much at all about the details of his life. My interview focuses on his career as a lawyer and politician in Zacatecas, Mexico, a mid sized former mining town in the north-center of the country. My grandfather spent much of his career affiliated with the dominant political party in Mexico, the PRI. This party, which only recently has stopped dominating elections, has a history of corruption and controversy that my grandfather was witness to. Even so, I decided that instead of focusing on one infamous event in the party’s history, it would be more valuable to get my grandfather’s general perspective on his career. This decision made for an interview that provides insight to important life skills, such as staying true to your beliefs and integrity, instead of a historical event. This does not mean there are not any specific questions about the party and his career, which I included. These questions lead to the insightful answers. My grandfather, put nicely, gives very thoughtful, genuine responses, and put bluntly, talks a lot. My hope is that those who see this interview can consider what my grandfather says and see how it could apply to their life, and that they appreciate his responses as much as I did.

(Begins at minute 1:30)

Interview with Jose Miguel, History 150 Spring 2021, Conducted by Nico Collier, March 14, 2021.

Biography:

Jose Miguel, a husband, father and grandfather, lives in Zacatecas, Mexico where he has lived his whole life. Zacatecas is a mining city about three hours driving from the capital of Mexico. Jose Miguel has held many positions throughout his career. Most were as a lawyer or a politician for the dominant political party in Mexico at the time, the PRI [Institutional Revolutionary Party]. Despite his varying job titles, one thing always stayed the same; Jose Miguel stayed true to himself, his values and morals amidst political corruption. He takes pride in being a family man, putting family first now that he is retired. He has written a book and is currently writing another, and also enjoys exercise, drawing and reading during his free time. Jose Miguel does not worry much about material things, as he prefers to focus on what he thinks truly matters. He has told me that he is satisfied with the life that he has lived, and continues to be reflective and observant as he always has been.

*Due to the length of the interview and the language, I decided the most effective way to convey the contents of the interview is as follows: Under each question I asked are the main points and takeaways my grandfather provided.

Nico: (Question 1): Describe the city of Zacatecas for those listening.

JM: – It is a very particular city like all others. It’s in a large valley, and within them the city arose. There was silver in the city, and it became a mining town. It started to become more important to Mexico due to its riches. The historic center of the city is very different from the rest of the city. The people of Zacatecas are known to be more quiet or reserved. We sometimes go to see the world, but generally we are very happy here. We tend to walk everywhere.

Nico: (Question 2): Could you tell a little bit about your career, both as a lawyer and politician?

JM: -I was a part of the middle class. I began studying, and that’s where it began. I went to a small science school. Most people specialized in one thing, but I wanted a more general education.

Nico: So the majority of people chose one thing as their specialty, but you did it differently?

JM: -There were two ways of forming yourself. One was dedicating yourself to one specific thing. Others wanted to know a little about a lot. The student who wants to know about many things is able to talk about anything, but not much. I have a cosmopolitan vision of the world. I like reading, law, psychology, science. In my era most would know law, but nothing else for example.

JM:-I began to study politics. I was a politician that studied. Many didn’t. Spots were filled with other politicians that just played roles for the ones in charge. I was a thinker. To be able to talk about what the politicians talked about, I studied. I read many political thinkers to educate myself. Those thinkers helped shape my perspective. My way of getting involved in politics was unique; most do not study. They think they are intellectuals, but aren’t. There is a difference between an established politician and one who has not studied. There are many like that in this country. I wanted to improve the political level of my country. I made a newspaper with friends where we gave our political opinions. We also were in political discussions. Our conferences were for all kinds of political views. During 8 years I was in charge of that political research center. I also helped candidates in their campaigns to organize. This way I was involved in urbanization and development plans. I complimented my professional work with participation as a member of the PRI in the political study center.

JM:-I never looked to become rich, and wanted to contribute. I always had all that I needed.

Nico: Why didn’t you want to be rich?

JM: -My human principles never drove me to desire richness. It was never my goal. My goal was always to know more. It’s not what moved me. What does is discovering more, about new places or people and their way of life. Of course I liked to have nice things, but I didn’t live for them. We live for many reasons. We should enjoy everything life offers. We have to find what drives and moves us. Then we strive to do that thing. You have to enjoy everything, but eventually find what moves you. My priority was my daughters, having food, and living well. I was able to find it.

JM:-I had many positions at once, and dedicated a part of the day to each one. I did that in all of my life. I diversified.

Nico: (Question 3): How was your position in the government more specifically?

JM:- I was always a critic of the government while being involved in it. I was sure of my opinions and was conscious of the motives that other politicians had.

Nico: So you had your opinions so clear in your head that the others didn’t affect you?

JM- I always wanted to stay true to myself. Those who gave up their own values or opinions to be higher in the government are not truly themselves, and I didn’t want to be like that. I have always been a free man in every aspect of the word.

Nico (Question 4): How did you balance being a part of the PRI, but at the same time criticizing them and not being manipulated?

JM:- All I did was be myself. When you let others manipulate you, you can get very far in terms of positions. The ones who do not let themselves be manipulated will not get as high as they want. The free man is usually in secondary positions. You will see that the most brilliant men are not the presidents and leaders, but the authors and singers. Those who let themselves be manipulated get high up, but lose parts of themselves. Those who want to be free are rejected by leaders. Young people need to be conscious of that and of what they want. They can be free or get into high positions.

JM:-You need to decide to be the best student of your teacher, or to go on your own. One day you must overcome your teachers and elders. Teachers must understand that your student should eventually overcome you.

Nico (Question 5): Was there ever a time where you thought to stop working with the PRI due to corruption?

JM:- I always have been a part of the PRI and still am. I like their morals. It is about freedom. People should be free to do what they want, regarding marriage, work and their life. I will die being a part of one party. Despite what happened in the party, I knew their basic principles and I agreed with them. But what I will always continue to do is to understand why I am a part of my party or my religion.

Nico (Question 6): Was the majority of the people you talked with like you, so sure of their principles?

JM:- There is a great variety of different people in the world. Most aren’t corrupt. They just stand out. In the PRI, there aren’t many corrupt people, but they make big impacts. There are all kind of people in the PRI. You can qualify a person based on their group. You cannot just say, for example, all people from Zacatecas are the same. Everywhere you go, people vary. You will always look for people with similar goals and education as you. Everything is relative, always remember. You just need to be loyal to yourself, and find people who are the same. Be who you are, and know it. Every person is different.

JM:- It doesn’t matter what school you go to. What matter is how you educate yourself and decide what matters to you. Becoming yourself is the most important process. Any more questions?

Nico: I think that does it. I had questions specific to the PRI, but I don’t think they are relevant to the theme of this interview.

JM:- You don’t have to call them a group of corrupt people. There are many different kinds of people. People to admire and people to look down upon, all in the PRI and in any other group.

Research

Due to my grandfathers versatile career and rather broad answers to my interview questions, this interview covers a variety of topics. When discussing with my grandfather over the phone during the weeks leading to the interview, the political system in Mexico, specifically the dominant party called the PRI, had significance. My grandfather worked with that party throughout much of his career, and was an advocate for their ideals, but criticised them when he felt it to be necessary. I did research on the history of this political party and their effect on the society of Mexico. I found that the party was perceived to be corrupt in many areas, especially towards the end of their dominance recently. After learning this, it was interesting to hear from my grandfather than not many people in the party were corrupt, but the ones who were stood out, giving the PRI its reputation.

Bibliography

1. America, CGTN, director. PRI: A History of Mexico’s Ruling Party, 2018, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Grajda2R8m4.
2. Cline, Howard F. “Government and Society.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2021, www.britannica.com/place/Mexico/Government-and-society.
3. The last source I used is the conversation I had with my grandfather. We had a forty five minute conversation where he told me about the history of the PRI party in Mexico and the corruption involved from his point of view. Although I believe my grandfather to be honest and neutral when discussing history or the past, I am aware of potential bias. From this conversation I was able to get about two pages of typed notes. Much of my background information came from him directly, a primary source.

Follow up Commentary

My grandfather and I did not discuss much after the interview. He could tell that I understood the points he was making, and how they can relate to my life as well. At the end of the interview I said that I had more questions related specifically to the PRI, but we both agreed that the overarching points he made had already resonated. I thanked him for his time in a message and expressed my appreciation for the conversation, to which he replied simply saying he was motivated and pleased to hear the questions I had for him as his teenage grandson.

Documentation

I recorded the call using zoom. My aunt helped my grandfather join the call and resolve any technical issues. Since the interview was in Spanish I translated and transcribed it myself.

Transcription

Due to the length and since it was in Spanish, I transcribed my interview differently. My grandfather had a lot to say. I decided the best way to convey the message was to list the questions that I had, and take the main points from his responses and list them under. My hope is that the theme my grandfather was trying to convey is evident in my transcription. Some sentences I translated directly, and others I paraphrased for clarity and to keep it more concise.