Los Angeles pulsed with economic vitality and demographic growth in the decades following World War II. This vividly detailed cultural history of L.A. from 1940 to 1970 traces the rise of a new suburban consciousness adopted by a generation of migrants who abandoned older American cities for Southern California's booming urban region. Eric Avila explores expressions of this new "white identity" in popular culture with provocative discussions of Hollywood and film noir; Dodger Stadium; Disneyland; and L.A.'s renowned freeways. These institutions not only mirrored this new culture of suburban whiteness and helped shape it; but also; as Avila argues; reveal the profound relationship between the increasingly fragmented urban landscape of Los Angeles and the rise of a new political outlook that rejected the tenets of New Deal liberalism and anticipated the emergence of the New Right.Avila examines disparate manifestations of popular culture in architecture; art; music; and more to illustrate the unfolding urban dynamics of postwar Los Angeles. He also synthesizes important currents of new research in urban history; cultural studies; and critical race theory; weaving a textured narrative about the interplay of space; cultural representation; and identity amid the westward shift of capital and culture in postwar America.
#3867599 in Books 2002-10-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.08 x 10.80 x 10.24l; 3.74 #File Name: 0520233611240 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A beautiful and vivid glimpse into every-day life in Buddhist countries of AsiaBy Kindle CustomerDon Farber has done a truly fantastic job in compiling an assortment of beautiful photos that open the reader's eyes to the brilliant and multifaceted Orient; where Buddhism still deeply influences many societies. In over 240 pages of color and detailed description; Farber masterfully portrays the Eastern world as an ancient if humble bastion of the Awakened One's timeless and universal teachings. This book is strongly recommended to anyone who is interested in a visual presentation of the many wonders; so simple yet so extraordinary all the same; of the richly diverse Buddhist world.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great pics. A real treasureBy Sheila E RyanDynamite book. Great pics. A real treasure.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Crowley; Vivianne. “Review: 'Visions of Buddhist Life'; by Don Farber; Foreword by Huston Smith.â€By Vivianne CrowleyCrowley; Vivianne. “Review: 'Visions of Buddhist Life'; by Don Farber; Foreword by Huston Smith.†The Middle Way: Journal of the Buddhist Society 81; no. 2 (August 2006): 121.Don Farber’s stunning photographs of Buddhist life span a quarter of a century; beginning in 1977 with photographs of lay worshippers and masters such as the Ven. Dr. Thich Thien-An and His Holiness the Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa; Rangjung Rigpe Dorje (1924-1981) at the temple created by Vietnamese refugees in Los Angeles. In 1985; Don Farber made his first trip to Asia – to Japan and Taiwan; and in 1987 added South China to the itinerary; photographing monks and nuns along the journey. In 1988; Don Farber was able to photograph the opening of the Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights; California; the largest Buddhist temple in America. The photographs range from the reverential – a beautiful photograph of the opening ceremony with representatives from Buddhist monasteries from around the world – to the joyful; nuns enjoying a Disneyland ride during a break from proceedings. Don Farber’s photographs include portraits of H.H. The Dalai Lama and other great teachers of recent years. In all of these; the masters' radiance shines through – a tribute to Don Farber’s skill and artistry. Nor are the photographs confined to male masters. Some of his most serenely expressive photographs are of women teachers such as Her Eminence Jetsun Kushok Chimey Luding; the Venerable Khandro Rinpoche; the Venerable Master Cheng Yen and Khandro Tsering Chodron. Photography today can; of course; show us marvels that earlier Buddhists could never share. A series of photographs from the mid-eighties to the early nineties portray Kalu Rinpoche; moving from the Rinpoche’s funeral in Tibet to photographs of the son of Lama Gyaltsen who was recognised as the reincarnation of Kalu Rinpoche; and culminating in two whole-page portraits of the two Rinpoches sitting in almost identical robes and poses. This is a beautiful book for those who enjoy photography and the creative use of the visual image. In making this record; Don Farber has performed a great service for Buddhism.
