Looking for a great history book that includes the stories and the experiences of minorities? Well, look no further. Multiculturalism scholar, and professor of Ethnic studies at UC Berkley Ronald Takaki, recounts a History of Multicultural America in his bookA Different Mirror.
His "dramatic new retelling of our nation's past...examines America's history...from the perspective of the minority peoples themselves." Takaki tells us about a history that is rarely shared. Through his book we learn the devastating truth about conquered peoples and the sad facts of their treatment in America, "the land of the free".
Ronald Takaki wants us to "Remember the voices and share the voices of the immigration experience." His book discusses the importance of America's migrant foundation. America has been racially diverse since our very beginning and only one-third of the American people do not trace their origins to Europe. So why so much racial tension and territorial conflict if most of us are not native to the USA?
Takaki raises the issue of "America's Changing Colors" and encourages us to accept and learn about each other cultures.
Part Two, chapter 8, of A Different Mirror covers " Strangers from a Pacific Shore". This section covers "Pioneers from Asia" and their long trek to America in search for "Gold Mountain". He dedicates a large chunk of his book to "Chinese Calibans", "Chinese Women in America" whom he calls "Twice a Minority", and "A Colony of 'Bachelors'".
This is a must read for any one interested in the truth, assimilation, minorities, the voices of the past, multiculturalism and the history of a people, not just Europeans. Pick up a copy now, and if you love A Different Mirror, pick up Strangers from a Different Shore by Takaki, too.[Edit by="rflores on Jul 28, 10:06:55 PM"][/Edit]
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