The Philippines Reader: A History of Colonialism, Neocolonialism, Dictatorship, and Resistance (Paperback)

by Daniel B. Schirmer (Editor), Stephen R. Shalom (Editor) "Integral to the history of the Philippines in the 20th century has been its relation to the United States..." (more)
Key Phrases: genuine land reform, boycott policy, economic survey mission, United States, Amnesty International, World Bank (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Political activists Schirmer and Shalom gather here over 80 articles and documents that seek to demonstrate a longtime, popular struggle on the part of Filipinos for social justice and freedom from foreign domination. The selections tell of the past and present U.S. role in the Philippinesfrom the turn-of-the-century U.S. conquest (wresting control of the colony from Spain) to the flight last year of dictator Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino's assumption of the presidency. The editors admit that they have not constructed a "neutral book,' but sources include the CIA, the State Department and President Reagan, as well as Philippine nationalist and leftist groups and U.S. opponents of foreign intervention. Partisan, the book raises disturbing questions about the future of our role in the Philippines. This is an educational and timely look at a complex nation.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
"The Philippines Reader" illuminates the history of the continuing struggle of the Philippines people for true independence and social justice. Daniel Schirmer and Stephen Shalom have put together a single volume readings and documents providing essential background-- from the turn-of-the-century U.S. war of conquest to the new administration of Corazon Aquino.

Analytical articles from varying authors explore, among other topics, the nature of the U.S. colonial regime, the role of the church, conflicts with national minorities, the situation of labor, peasants and women, and U.S. policy, as well as prospects for the future.

Documentary selections in this "Philippines Reader" come from such diverse sources as the CIA and the State Department; U.S. Presidents McKinley and Reagan; Philippine leaders Aguinaldo and Aquino; Philippine nationalist and left organizations such as the Anti-Base Coalition, Bayan, Kaakbay, and the New People's Army; and U.S. opponents of foreign intervention.

The editors introduce, explain, and tie together over eighty readings making this the most complete introduction available on events in the Philippines.

Product Details

• Paperback: 425 pages
• Publisher: South End Press (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089608275X
• ISBN-13: 978-0896082755
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #887,291 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent history of U.S.involvement in the Philippines, August 24, 1999

By	[e-mail] (third world- one planet - american) - See all my reviews

As a person interested in social justice and race relation issues, and a first time reader of Philippine history, i found the book very interesting and highly educational on the subject of the United States military,political,social,economic and cultural subjugation of the Filipino people from the year 1900 to 1986. It made me ashamed to live in the United States and benefit ( either directly or indirectly) from the subjugation of the Filipino people. It detailed the specific evil nature of U.S. foriegn policy in its quest to gain ( militarily, politically and economically) at the expense of others "misery" !!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars important information, November 8, 2007

By	dimayuga bondoc "capulong" - See all my reviews

A good start to understanding. Read further if you don't believe it. The US is not innocent, it is as much an imperial power as Spain was. Don't take my word for it Just read, pay attention, and look at the big picture. This book can help in your education and understanding.

4 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Hey,. It's not America's Fault, August 21, 2006

By	EgusHdus (Hua Hin, Thailand USA) - See all my reviews

I don't know what the complaining's all about. America "occupied" Philippines only twice as long as I've been married to a Filipina (I therefore am more of an expert than YOU). We liberated Philippines from 300 (400?) years of Spanish domination. We set up an effective political system on the way to self-rule, which was taken over by the "Japanese Liberation". We fought for 4 years to free the Philippines, and then...*magic*, we freed the Philippines.

Now, America's(?) to blame for all the apathetic ways, the bribery, the lethargy, the crime, the "shaving the rules". Holey-moley, it's not our fault, eh? Get over it. Why is it that Overseas Foreign Workers (OFW) are the primary export from the Philippines, and the primary source of returning capital? Not for lack of intelligence or motivation, apparently.

Ask any Filipino - excepting the really angry ones who blame others for their misfortune, and to a man (or women) they'll tell you - their dream is "to move to the States...".

Uh, excuse me, you liberal political science majors.... If you'd studied business, you could get a job. But it sure was fun to laze around UP or UST and be angry at me, huh? Ah, the glory days of school, without having to make a living - Daddy's money. Uh, maybe DADDY was ripping off the Philippine people for your tuition?

That's your fault, not mine.