Mexican Postcards (American and Iberian Culture Series)

Rating:
Summary: Cultural Chronicles
Review: Having read some of Monsivais works in Spanish, including his thoughts as reflected in the Mexican press, I was extremely pleased to see a book of his finally available in the English language.This book is written with the sharp, critical eye of Carlos Monsivais whose commentary on Mexican culture is astounding and full of insight. Monsivais reflects in his unique style; part history lesson, part social commentary, his analysis of events leads the reader to draw their own conclusions as he plays devils advocate and torch bearer all at once. With a keen eye for historical significance he portrays the icons of society in their greater majesty, their ultimate place in history, their affect on the mores and values of society at large. He goes one step further illustrating the consequences of the media and the political machines behind the people and the images and their lasting effect on the minds and hearts of the Mexican people. He tackles a variety of subjects including the literary works of Juan Rulfo, the lovely matinee idol, Dolores Del Rio, the everymans comic, Cantinflas, with his legendary ability to say so much and never say anything and the lexicon of the pachuco via the verbal collage of Tin Tan. Monsivais does not just limit his analysis to the field of entertainment as he examines religion and the role of the Boy Fidencio, Guadalupismo and Chrsitianity. Naturally he critiques the government, its contemporary leaders as well as historical figures and even examines the Zapatistas. No part of society is sacred as he lends criticism to many subjects dear to many peoples hearts including the romantic bolero. Of particular interest is his scathing view of Mexico's penchant for gory details in the tabloid press where daily one can find a picture of dead person lying in the street with the bloody headlines screeming at you to come closer and take a look. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found the author to give a fasinating peek into Mexcian culture. If you are interested in Mexcian culture I would recommend this book. If you read Spanish I would also recommened his articles in the Mexican press and two books of note, "Amor Perdido" and " Rituales del Caos" where he does much of the same only examining other aspects of Mexican society.