Burro Genius

Victor Villaseñor was born in 1940, in a barrio (Spanish neighborhood) in Carlsbad, California. Until the age of four, he was raised by his Yaqui grandmother, a woman whose spiritual teachings and wisdom defined Villaseñor’s worldview. Villaseñor’s parents were immigrants, born and raised in Mexico, who had not received extensive formal education. The family moved to their newly built ranch at South Oceanside after Villaseñor’s father managed to build a successful business. Villaseñor’s family primarily spoke Spanish at home.

Villaseñor struggled with the “English only” policy of the American school system. He and other Latino children were subject to abuse and racial discrimination that marginalized them in class and often inhibited their academic progress. Villaseñor struggled with reading, as teachers and the overall ill-equipped educational system failed to recognize his dyslexia. Intimidation and cultural barriers frustrated Villaseñor and made him terrified of school. He failed in English but was a bright student in other subjects. Eventually, he dropped out of high school and found work in the fields using his ranch life experience.

Villaseñor traveled to Mexico as a young man, where he reconnected with his cultural heritage. There, he discovered the rich Mexican culture, art, literature, and music and saw Mexicans holding various prestigious jobs, which formed an important contrast to the Mexican immigrants limited to agricultural roles back in the US. Villaseñor also reconnected with Indigenous culture, recalling his grandmother’s teachings. At the age of 20, he returned to America with a new understanding of his identity. His frustration and anger over continual discrimination against Mexican Americans grew, but his faith and his connection with his cultural heritage became a form of sustenance. Inspired by Indigenous spirituality, Villaseñor also embraced the importance of love and compassion while confronting his rage.

Villaseñor decided to become a writer. Despite his troubling experiences at school, Villaseñor still found mentors who valued his vivid imagination. He worked hard to overcome his dyslexia, becoming an avid reader. A professor of creative writing at UCLA helped him gain admission to writing classes. After several manuscripts and rejections, Villaseñor published his first book Macho! in 1973, at the height of the Chicano movement in the US. He then published other works, such as a short story collection and memoirs. Literature became a way for Villaseñor to counter racism and cultural discrimination. Villaseñor was diagnosed with dyslexia in 1985 in his mid-forties, years after being published. He finally realized the root of his struggles and was praised by an expert teacher for his resilience in becoming a writer.

Villaseñor remains an acclaimed and prolific author and a celebrated public speaker. He offers lectures to education and community groups throughout the US, encouraging students and teachers to work together for equality in educational opportunities. He often focuses on the importance of cultural heritage, family, and language. He is also the founder of the non-profit organization, Snow Goose Global Thanksgiving, which promotes harmony and peace throughout the world.