The Columbia History of Latinos in the United States Since 1960
Edited by David G. Gutiérrez
2006, Columbia University Press
494 pages
ONE OF THE most perplexing questions about the Latino population within the United States relates to the size and growth of this vibrant, increasingly wealthy and dynamic community: why, given that Latinos now comprise the largest ethnic minority in the country, do they remain so politically weak and, in some regions, invisible? Louis Desipio, is among the contributors to this essential primer for anyone wishing to study Latino history in the US who address this question. He writes: “… the core dilemma of Latino politics that existed in 1960 remains today. The majority of Latinos are nonparticipants in the community’s electoral and community-organizational politics. Few exclude themselves, and most report that they want to participate in elements of the community’s politics. But many are excluded in practice because of their immigrant status or demographic profile.” This chapter and others in The Columbia History of Latinos in the United States Since 1960 are what make this such an excellent, and fascinating, resource. Among its great merits are its focus on the complex and shifting boundaries that so loosely define Latinos as a community within the US, a further clue to what Desipio refers to as their “perpetual promise”, as yet unfulfilled. – GO’T
