His Panic: Why Americans Fear Hispanics in the U.S. (Hardcover)

by Geraldo Rivera (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
With lengthy anecdotes and limited analysis, journalist Rivera attempts to change the negative misconceptions about Hispanic migrants in this exploration of illegal immigration in the US today. Often reading like a rebuttal to the pundits and politicians he's come to blows with throughout his storied career-Lou Dobbs, Rep. Tom Tancredo, Michelle Malkin and others-Rivera's counterarguments frequently come in the form of Latino success stories such as Eddie Olmos and Cheech Marin (with whom, as he never misses an opportunity to mention, Rivera maintains close, personal relationships). More worthy sections deftly refute claims that illegal immigrants have hurt the economy, using strident statistical evidence and cagey reasoning. Rivera's wide net can lead to rambling; the immigration stance of Cesar Chavez and race relations in Miami are notable digressions. His most poignant (and fresh) argument comes in his closing statement, that the burgeoning Latino voting bloc, alienated by conservative immigration vitriol, could very well be the undoing of the GOP in 2008. Astute observations such as this save what could ultimately been written off as another Al Capone's Vault.
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Review
“Poignant and fresh...Astute observations.”
—Publishers Weekly

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Celebra Hardcover (February 26, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451224140
• ISBN-13: 978-0451224149
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #401,031 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Done Treatment of the Immigration Issue, April 12, 2008

By	C. Baker "[e-mail]" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I was given Geraldo Rivera's book, His Panic, as a gift. I have to admit when I picked up the book I expected to find a screed filled with hyperbole and rancorous comments about people who are concerned about the immigration issue. Instead I found a well thought out, passionate but not overly emotional argument about why Hispanic immigration is good for America not bad. It is an outstanding treatment of the issue.

Geraldo's main point in this book is that Hispanic immigration is a good thing not a bad thing. He points out that Hispanic immigrants integrate into American society much like other immigrants in the past have done, such as the Irish and other European immigrants in the last century. Successive generations become more educated, more successful, and more "American" in their outlook and attitudes. The key difference being that Hispanics have another language, Spanish, which is the main tongue of early immigrants, and that Hispanics are readily identifiable ethnically. While Geraldo never explicitly states it in this book, underlying racism certainly seems to play a role in Americans' fear of Hispanic immigrants coming to this country.

Throughout the book Geraldo deftly, using facts, undermines the myths of Hispanic immigration, such as that immigration increases the crime rate, that they steal jobs, that it's an avenue for importing terrorism, or that they import disease. He also talks about the fear mongers in the media hyping up isolated events, such as an illegal immigrant killing innocent Americans in a drunk driving accident, to paint all immigrants, illegal or not, as creating a crime wave, when in fact, Hispanic immigrants have a crime rate that is no different than other ethnic groups.

The book also highlights many immigrant success stories, while lamenting Hispanic gangs. And it provides harrowing, personal accounts of many illegal immigrants. It ends with Geraldo's own policy preferences for addressing Hispanic immigration.

This is a very well done treatise on the immigration issue. Even those who have a different point of view than Geraldo's would benefit from reading the book for a different perspective.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The other side for a change, March 21, 2009

By	John Wright (Occupied Mexico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: His Panic: Why Americans Fear Hispanics in The U.S. (Paperback)

Nice to hear the other side of the story for a change instead of all the foaming at the mouth hysteria from right wing radio and tv on this topic. Mr. Rivera shows the historical origin for much of the panic over immigration that passses for discourse today. Unfortunately, the vast majority of those who should read this book never will.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A positive portray of Hispanics contribution in the USA, December 2, 2008

By	R. S. (Columbus, OH USA) - See all my reviews

After reading this book, I have a better understanding of the myths,contributions, challenges and heritage of Hispanics and Latinos in America. Geraldo, provides facts to counteract the negative publicity given to Hispanics and Latinos by the media and other anti-Hispanic politicians and related groups.

You need to read this book with an open mind. If you are too rigid in your preconceived views, parts of the book content may make you uncomfortable. If you are willing to analyze its content objectively, you may well find it to be instructional and and eye opener about the positive contributions of Hispanic and Latino immigrants in the USA.

While I have some mixed feelings about Geraldo's final recommendation to the President to solve the immigration problem, I value his courage in standing up to share his thoughts and beliefs. He is a strong voice and advocate for the rights of Hispanic and Latino immigrants, particularly those that are undocumented.

Like all new immigrants, Hispanics and Latinos face many challenges adapting to a different culture and language, not to say prejudices, biases, and discrimination by some sectors of American society. However, since the majority of Americans value loyal hard workers/or productive people, it is expected that over time this will change.

The need for comprehensive immigration reform is most evident. I recommend this book.