Voces Season 3 Episode 3 The Rise and Fall of the Brown Buffalo

"The Rise and Fall of the Brown Buffalo" is the third episode of the third season of the critically acclaimed documentary series, Voces. The episode delves into the life and legacy of Oscar Zeta Acosta, a larger-than-life figure considered to be a key participant in the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and '70s.

Through archival footage and interviews with those who knew him, including his family members, colleagues, and friends, viewers get an in-depth look at Acosta's journey from a rebellious young man to a prominent activist and lawyer. Acosta, who was born in El Paso, Texas, in 1935, moved to California as a child and eventually graduated from San Francisco State University and UC Berkeley School of Law.

Acosta's status as a charismatic countercultural icon in the United States is explored, with a focus on his friendship with Hunter S. Thompson and their infamous drug-fueled adventures in Las Vegas, which inspired Thompson's seminal novel, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. However, Acosta's contributions to the Chicano Movement are what earn him the most recognition and admiration.

Acosta became involved in the Movement in the late 1960s, writing articles and giving speeches in support of Chicano rights. He was particularly passionate about highlighting the issue of police brutality against Mexican Americans. This activism led to his becoming involved as an attorney in the landmark Chicano rights case, Rios v. Reed, in which he fought against gerrymandering that discriminated against Mexican American voters in Orange County, California.

The episode also shows the impact of Acosta's unique style on the community he fought for. Acosta's unconventional behavior and fashion sense, including his signature Panama hat, loud Hawaiian shirts, and love for partying often drew criticism from more conservative members of the community, who felt his image did not accurately represent what they were fighting for. Here, the episode explores the idea of performance in activism, and how certain figures develop an image that serves to elevate the message they are promoting.

While Acosta was able to make significant strides for the Chicano community, the episode also highlights the various struggles and personal demons he faced, such as his struggle with drugs and his volatile relationships with women. There is a focus on his deep depression and his ultimate disappearance in 1974, a mystery that has never been fully solved.

Ultimately, "The Rise and Fall of Brown Buffalo" serves as both an homage to an influential figure and an exploration of the intersection of activism, counterculture, and identity. The episode showcases the complexities of a man who refused to conform to the expectations placed upon him, and whose legacy continues to inspire new generations of activists.