James Charlton has produced a ringing indictment of disability oppression; which; he says; is rooted in degradation; dependency; and powerlessness and is experienced in some form by five hundred million persons throughout the world who have physical; sensory; cognitive; or developmental disabilities. Nothing About Us Without Us is the first book in the literature on disability to provide a theoretical overview of disability oppression that shows its similarities to; and differences from; racism; sexism; and colonialism. Charlton's analysis is illuminated by interviews he conducted over a ten-year period with disability rights activists throughout the Third World; Europe; and the United States. Charlton finds an antidote for dependency and powerlessness in the resistance to disability oppression that is emerging worldwide. His interviews contain striking stories of self-reliance and empowerment evoking the new consciousness of disability rights activists. As a latecomer among the world's liberation movements; the disability rights movement will gain visibility and momentum from Charlton's elucidation of its history and its political philosophy of self-determination; which is captured in the title of his book. Nothing About Us Without Us expresses the conviction of people with disabilities that they know what is best for them. Charlton's combination of personal involvement and theoretical awareness assures greater understanding of the disability rights movement.
#1178147 in Books 1997-10-28 1997-10-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.80 x .69 x 6.00l; 1.13 #File Name: 0520211170239 pages
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Loved it.By NinaPlanning to order another one for a Xmas gift.14 of 16 people found the following review helpful. Liked It; But Didn't Blow Me AwayBy A CustomerNot a lot of literature in this area. Clearly written for the non-Cuban audience. Author remains objective throughout. Perhaps a little too objective. Generally; I would recommend it; especially for exiles like me who may have been away from Miami for much of the period covered by the book.12 of 15 people found the following review helpful. A fascinating and very well-researched book.By bigpix@earthlink.netHavana USA is a very thorough account of post-revolutionary Cuban migration to America. One of the interesting aspects of Cuban emigration since Castro has been the perspectives given to us by the media and the government - many of them misleading. Garcia dispels these myths with facts backed up my extensive research and personal interviews. A very interesting read.
