The Hispanic Condition : The Power of a People

Rating:
Summary: Shame on Stavans
Review: ...for using the Nixon administration term "Hispanic" as someone who is familiar with the Chicano Movement he should know better. This book is a weak attempt to homogenize very diverse groups of people into a generic category. Sickening!

Rating:
Summary: Worth the effort!
Review: I enjoyed The Hispanic Condition. It made me think.

Rating:
Summary: Read it!
Review: I've read other books by Ilan Stavans but this one was the first. It was assigned in my Latinos in the U.S. class. The teacher told us Stavans is very controversial and we should make our own mind on what he has to say. So I began reading the book thinking it will be kind of offensive. But I found it clear and intelligent. Then, on mid-semester break, I heard him speak in Dallas and was taken by his style. I bought two other books. I think he is one of the most original thinkers on issues of race, language, and identity in America today. Yes, he'll make readers angry at times, but that's the point. I also recommend highly his book on Spanglish and the anthology with his reflections on Selena, Subcomandante Marcos, and other important figures in the Hispanic world. Read it and make your own mind.