Becoming American, Becoming Ethnic: College Students Explore Their Roots (Critical Perspectives on the Past.) [Paperback]

Thomas Dublin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 22, 1996 | ISBN-10: 1566394392 | ISBN-13: 978-1566394390

More than at any time since the 1920's the issues of immigration and ethnicity have become central to discussions of American society and identity. "Becoming American, Becoming Ethnic" addresses this contemporary debate, bringing together essays written over the past eighteen years by college students exploring their ethnic roots from the experiences of their forbears to the place of ethnicity in their lives. The students range from descendants of Europeans whose families immigrated several generations ago to Asian and Latin American immigrants of more recent decades to African-Americans and Hispanics some have more than one ethnic heritage to grapple with, while others have migrated from one place to another within the United States. Together their voices create a dialogue about the interplay of ethnic traditions and values with American culture. These are moving personal reflections on the continuities and changes in the ethnic experience in the United States and on the evolving meaning of ethnicity over time and across generations. Despite vocal concerns in recent years about ethnic divisiveness, these student writings show how much many young Americans share even in their differences. Author note: Thomas Dublin, Professor of History at the State University of New York at Binghamton, has taught courses on immigration and ethnicity for nearly 20 years. He has published several books, most recently "Immigrant Voices: New Lives in America, 1773-1986" and "Transforming Women's Work: New England Lives in the Industrial Revolution".

Editorial Reviews

Review

Becoming American, Becoming Ethnic: College Students Explore Their Roots addresses the contemporary debate now raging over issues of immigration and ethnicity by bringing together essays written over the past eighteen years by college students exploring their ethnic roots -- from the experiences of their forbears to the place of ethnicity in their lives. The students range from descendants of Europeans whose families immigrate several generations ago to Asian and Latin American immigrants of more recent decades to African Americans and Hispanics (some have more than one ethnic heritage to grapple with, while others have migrated from one place to place within the United States). Together their voices create a dialogue about the interplay of ethnic traditions and values with American culture. These are moving personal reflections on the continuities and changes in the ethnic experience in the United States and on the evolving meaning of ethnicity over time and across generations. Despite vocal concerns in recent years about ethnic divisiveness, these student writings show how much many young Americans share even in their differences. Highly recommended! -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Publisher

Personal reflections on the challenges that face college students coming to understand their ethnicity in contemporary America --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 294 pages
• Publisher: Temple University Press (April 22, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566394392
• ISBN-13: 978-1566394390
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #365,835 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)