¡Ask a Mexican!

Synopsis

DEAR MEXICAN: WHAT IS ¡ASK A MEXICAN!? Questions and answers about our spiciest Americans. I explore the clichés of lowriders, busboys, and housekeepers; drunks and scoundrels; heroes and celebrities; and most important, millions upon millions of law-abiding, patriotic American citizens and their illegal-immigrant cousins who represent some $600 billion in economic power. WHY SHOULD I READ¡ASK A MEXICAN!? At 37 million strong (or 13 percent of the U. S. population), Latinos have become America's largest minority -- and beaners make up some two-thirds of that number. I confront the bogeymen of racism, xenophobia, and ignorance prompted by such demographic changes through answering questions put to me by readers of my ¡Ask a Mexican! column in California's OC Weekly. I challenge you to find a more entertaining way to immerse yourself in Mexican culture that doesn't involve a taco-and-enchilada combo. OKAY, WHY DO MEXICANS PARK THEIR CARS ON THE FRONT LAWN? Where do you want us to park them? The garage we rent out to a family of five? The backyard where we put up our recently immigrated cousins in tool-shack-cum-homes? The street with the red curbs recently approved by city planners? The driveway covered with construction materials for the latest expansion of la casa? The nearby school parking lot frequented by cholos on the prowl for a new radio? The lawn is the only spot Mexicans can park their cars without fear of break-ins, drunken crashes, or an unfortunate keying. Besides, what do you think protects us from drive-bys? The cops?

Copyright:

2007

Book Details

Book Quality:

Publisher Quality

Book Size:

272 Pages

ISBN-13:

9781416562061

Related ISBNs:

9781416540038

Publisher:

Simon & Schuster

Date of Addition:

12/02/21

Copyrighted By:

Village Voice Media Holdings, L.L.C.

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

Nonfiction, Social Studies, Humor

Submitted By:

Bookshare Staff

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.