Lee Miller retrieves the voices of Indian people over five centuries and weaves them into an alternate history of the continent; while introducing us to the grandeur and diversity of the 500 nations who held this land before the first European set foot on it. Here; collected in one volume; is the testimony of more than 250 Indian civilizations—of the Aztec king Moctezuma; the Seminole leader Osceola; Tecumseh; Cochise; Sitting Bull; Geronimo; and Sarah Winnemucca. Through their eyes; we see the shaping events of the past in a radically different light; one that is tragic yet shows courage in the face of adversity.“Extraordinarily moving. . . . A haunting and eloquent anthology that serves as a testament to the courage and the nobility of Native Americans in the face of physical and spiritual genocide.†—Booklist
#296911 in Books Vintage 1999-05-18 1999-05-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .79 x 5.20l; .88 #File Name: 0679744568368 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Marwa MoazGood sociological read.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Changing FacesBy A CustomerIn the book; Strangers Among Us; the author; Roberto Suro explores several dynamics about Latino Immigration. He reminds us that Latinos vary in nationalities and is the largest growing population migrating into America. This book gives the reader a realistic view of the changing demographics in America and how Latino immigration can positively or negatively shape the future of our country. Suro also thoroughly examines how Latinos are becoming a crucial part of America's struggle with poverty and race.Suro dissects the first generation of Latino immigrants and then the second generation of U.S born Latino children. He mentions how the Latino second generation is failing and that it's easier to fall into a decline; rather than move up beyond the everyday barriers. He identifies that the problems arise from children who are advancing quicker than their parents. The children become so absorbed in to the awful parts of the American culture. While the immigrant parents stay detached and continue to focus on making money and saving it. Parents quickly become separated from their children's developmental stages and don't remain a positive cultural influence. Instead; the children adapt to the negative behaviors of American ways; and some immigrants don't know any better. All of the struggles immigrants face is emphasized in the book; from receiving citizenship; to getting and maintaining a job; and receiving an education. Suro states that the risks of immigrants failing; increases their urge to embrace American culture and that the assimilation process is more willingly achieved to better their life in America. But what about the Latinos who choose to keep their culture and don't embrace the American culture? That is where the struggles and challenges come in; because class and identity interact with the struggles of living in America.Another important point mentioned in the book; is the idea of how vulnerable immigrants become as they migrate into America. It is easier to live; get out of poverty by molding into the American culture. This all includes learning and speaking English; going to school and moving out of the barrio and transitioning into an American. If an immigrant is able to let go of their culture and embrace America's; their transitional process will become much easier .Throughout the book; Suro introduces you to several different Latino immigrant families and describes their transition and how they're surviving. He takes you through different Latino communities across America; including Florida; Texas; California and New York. He even targets the gang life of inner city Los Angeles. This issue exploits the concerns of increasing gang life within the merge of minorities in America.Suro supports the need to keep immigration under control. He states fear of back fire if we choose not to do so as a country. The acceptance of culture isn't an issue it's the adjustment and assimilation issue. Coming to America illegally isn't easy; it presents several challenges. Adjusting to the whole new economic; social structure of America; involves several transitional steps; and getting to know the English language is a vital step.Suro emphasizes that education is the foundation for Latino advancement. With about a third of the Latino population under the age of 18; education needs to be enforced. The book takes you into the inner; less structured cities of immigrant populations and explores the high crimes rates; gang interaction and the rising teen pregnancy rates. I agree with Suro statement; that "we need to do something quick about the decline immigrant advancement or else a Latino underclass will be created permanently". Latinos need to take advantage of the economic opportunities they are given.Overall; I enjoyed this book and how Suro opens the doors to an inside view of the positive and negatives of the Latino Immigration and their struggles that come along with it. Not only did I appreciate all of the new information I gathered but I have gained more respect for Latino immigrants. This is a great book for anyone to read; to reach deeper into the Latino culture.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. An educational readBy Kat HarmonI found Strangers Among Us very captivating and educational. I chose this book because after reading an excerpt I realized how little I knew about the Latino population and their lives in America. I always understood the basic concepts of their immigration to America but I have never understood why they traveled here and for what reasons. Their culture was unknown to me yet I interact with them on a day-to-day basis and have lived next door to them my entire life. Strangers Among Us appealed to me both as an educational and pleasurable read; and helped answer some of the questions I had about this continuing large minority population. A disturbing chapter for me was about the cantina patrols and how differently Mexican-Americans are treated. It was interesting to hear how one officer readily admitted that he could never get away with the same kind of treatment in a white or African-American neighborhood. If these officers know what they are doing is wrong then why do they keep treating people this way? In my opinion; these officers do it because they know these newly arrived immigrants will not resist and they can get away with it. While reading this it reminded me of the same cycle African-Americans have had to go through in trying to live in this country. In New York; Puerto Ricans are also facing difficulties surviving in the new world. Suro makes clear that most Latinos entered the United States as sojourners; meaning they come to America to work and make money with the intentions of returning back home when they are done. When Puerto Ricans migrated to New York in the 1950s and early 1960s; they came with great hopes and dreams. In the end; some of the PuertRican population did succeed; but too many ended up poor and with less than what they arrived with. Many Puerto Ricans realized that they lacked the education; skill; and culture to make it up north in the big cities. Many who migrated north were losing too much and decided to either return home or try their skills in cities with greater outlooks such as Miami; where the Latino population is continually growing. From reading this book I have learned a lot more about the Latino population and their immigration to America. By hearing real life experiences I have noticed my own stereotypes toward this minority group. I never understood the hardships many had to endure just to provide for their families. Before this class I used to think that the African-American population was the only minority group that was discriminated against but Strangers Among Us changed my perspective on the way others and myself treat groups that are different from our white race.
