44 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category
-
Chapter
Chapter 2: Walls
Chapter 2: Walls explores the intricate and evolving history of the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting its transformation from a once open and unmarked landscape to a heavily fortified division. The author contrasts a time when the border represented vast, unbound territories, symbolizing openness, to the current reality where the border is a harsh, militarized structure designed to control immigration. The border is referred to as a "Death Star," a metaphor that captures the imposing and defensive nature of…-
66.8 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 6: Intimacies
Chapter 6: Intimacies provides a deep exploration into the relationships that unfold within a Beverly Hills family and their Mexican housekeeper, Carmen, and her daughter, Olivia. The Smith family, including a father who works as a Hollywood agent, a mother, and their four children, share their home with Carmen and Olivia, who occupy the maid’s quarters. This domestic setup serves as a reflection of the broader societal dynamics in America, where contrasting cultural identities coexist within the same…-
66.8 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 5: Race
Chapter 5: Race begins with an in-depth examination of the lives of two men, James Earl Ray and Booker Wade, offering a powerful exploration of the complex intersection between race, identity, and societal dynamics. James Earl Ray, the assassin of Martin Luther King Jr., is portrayed as a product of a deeply entrenched, racist environment. His upbringing, marked by extreme poverty and criminality, was further complicated by the influence of his family's racist beliefs, particularly those passed down from…-
66.8 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 4: Cities
Chapter 4: Cities provides an insightful examination of the racial and cultural evolution of Los Angeles, exploring how its complex history has shaped the city’s identity. The narrative begins by tracing the geographical and historical influences that have left their mark on Los Angeles, starting with the indigenous Tongva people, followed by Spanish and Mexican rule, and eventually the city’s annexation by the United States. This rich history plays a pivotal role in forming the racial classifications…-
66.8 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 8: Ashes
Chapter 8: Ashes opens with the author contemplating the lasting effects of the Holocaust, a tragedy that continues to shape global consciousness. The author contrasts this profound historical event with the modern-day struggles of Latin American immigrants, who endure violent conditions in their pursuit of a better life. The educational system today incorporates extensive lessons on the Holocaust, which highlights a marked contrast to the author’s own childhood experiences in the 1970s, when such…-
66.8 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 9: Lies
In Chapter 9, titled "Lies," the author examines the experience of being Latino in the United States, focusing on how mainstream narratives often depict Latinos as powerless or overly simplified figures. The chapter begins by critiquing a North American activist, whose portrayal of immigrants seeking refuge centers only on her actions, while neglecting the individual stories and unique identities of the immigrants involved. This portrayal ultimately reduces these individuals to mere symbols of victimhood,…-
66.8 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 7: Secrets
Chapter 7: Secrets, During the 1980s and '90s, the term "Latino" began to take on greater significance as a result of the new wave of migration from Latin America. This shift sparked an increased visibility and appreciation of Latino culture, particularly among younger generations seeking to define and celebrate their identities. One of the most prominent figures associated with this cultural moment is Frida Kahlo, a Mexican artist whose powerful self-portraits became emblematic of the complexities and…-
66.8 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Conclusion: Utopias
"Conclusion: Utopias", As we look toward the future of undocumented queer youth, their journey is one marked by adversity and resilience in a world that often seeks to erase their identities. These youth frequently face rejection from their families, compounded by a culture that erases queer existence in favor of heteronormative ideals. In the face of such challenges, they turn to icons of queer culture—figures like Walter Mercado and Chavela Vargas—who offer not just representation, but a sense of…-
66.8 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Chapter 11: Home
Chapter 11 titled "Home" reflects on the author’s deep connection to literature, family, and identity, beginning with a discussion of James Baldwin’s Go Tell It on the Mountain. Baldwin’s portrayal of Richard, a central character who represents the cultural aspirations of a Black man in 1920s New York, resonates deeply with the author. As Baldwin explores the complex relationship between family and identity, the author reflects on their own experiences of visiting museums with their parents in Los…-
66.8 K • Ongoing
-
-
Chapter
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments for this book are offered with deep appreciation to the individuals and institutions whose support has been instrumental in its creation. A fellowship from the Radcliffe Institute at Harvard University was the foundation of this project, providing not only financial resources but also intellectual stimulation. During my time at Radcliffe, I was fortunate to receive invaluable help from two talented undergraduates, Tania Domínguez-Rangel and Jesús Estrada-Martínez, whose fresh…-
66.8 K • Ongoing
-
- Previous 1 … 34 35 36 … 81 Next
