Takaki a different mirror. A Different Mirror for Young People: A History of Multicultural America 2022-12-15

Takaki a different mirror Rating: 8,2/10 250 reviews

In "A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America," author Ronald Takaki delves into the often-overlooked history of various minority groups in the United States. Through his comprehensive and engaging writing style, Takaki presents a nuanced and multi-faceted view of the country's past, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of immigrants, people of color, and other marginalized communities.

One of the key themes of the book is the way in which mainstream American history has often downplayed or outright ignored the contributions and experiences of minority groups. Takaki argues that the traditional narrative of American history, which often centers around the experiences of white, European settlers, is incomplete and does not accurately reflect the diversity of the country. Instead, he contends that the history of the United States is shaped by a range of diverse cultures, including Native American, African American, Asian American, and Latino communities.

Throughout the book, Takaki uses a wide range of sources to paint a vivid picture of the experiences of these diverse groups. He discusses the impact of colonialism and imperialism on Native American communities, the brutal realities of slavery and segregation faced by African Americans, and the challenges faced by Asian and Latino immigrants in their quest for equality and acceptance.

One of the most powerful aspects of "A Different Mirror" is the way in which Takaki personalizes the history he discusses. He weaves in stories and accounts from individuals, giving readers a glimpse into the lives of real people who faced discrimination and adversity, but also found ways to resist and overcome these challenges.

Overall, "A Different Mirror" offers a much-needed alternative perspective on American history, one that is inclusive and nuanced, and recognizes the contributions and experiences of all people. It is an important read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the country's past and the ongoing struggles for equality and justice.

Summary Of Ronald Takaki's A Different Mirror

takaki a different mirror

During the Civil War, the nation was split over the issue of slavery. Both Chinese and Irish immigrants, however, were often disappointed with their treatment upon arrival in America. In the nineteenth century, the US also saw an influx of Chinese immigrants, who were fleeing the British Opium Wars and economic pressure and pursuing a better life in America. But later generations saw what their ancestors went through and put more effort into education and business because they saw the good jobs came from education. So it may not be his fault, but either way, I was underwhelmed with the final result. A lot of betrayal.

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Citation: A different mirror

takaki a different mirror

We all want a better life. Additional Styles Here are A different mirror citations for 14 popular citation styles including Turabian style, the American Medical Association AMA style, the Council of Science Editors CSE style, IEEE, and more. But George Washington Carver was subject to the very same institutions of slavery and Jim Crow that they struggled against; Carver didn't have any stories with the heroic courage of Douglass, or the grand and noble dignity of King. This book gives a refreshingly different perspective where one can see how the plight of one group really equals the plight of all, especially when we are all subjected through the narrow narrative lens of "white" history. To "overcome" meant to integrate the schools, buses, lunch counters, and other public facilities; this goal was expanded to include equality of opportunity for voting and employment. Immigrants who migrate to other countries need jobs,and money to support families.


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A Different Mirror by Ronald Takaki Plot Summary

takaki a different mirror

Every picture describes an event. I can, however, recommend the revised edition, supplemented with lots of updated information concerning the recent events. A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America. These immigrants were concentrated in the Lower East Side of New York City, where many worked in sweatshops as part of the garment industry. The Irish broke the racial formation primarily because of their ability to access education. The author argues in this chapter that people migrating from Asia had a rude awakening when they landed in America and discovered how poorly the minorities were treated. Meanwhile, the ongoing suffering caused by English colonialism and, in particular, the Great Potato Famine, prompted millions of Irish to immigrate to the US in the nineteenth century.

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Cite A different mirror

takaki a different mirror

But it can't be only this. It is a story about the continuing tension between our ideal "all men and women are created equal" and our steadfast commitment to "the bottom line. The argument that the United States is a multicultural society can easily be challenged. Finishing this remarkable history of immigration, our consistent use and abuse of the Other sometimes invited, often forced, usually used, seldom valued in our midst, the unfortunate consistency of the "dominant cultural" response to the Other, and the sad celebration of what Franklin called "the lovely White"—leaves me with the same sense of anger. However, as tobacco farming ramped up, there was a great need for labor. He must have a huge amount of material to draw from because he always seems to have just the right quote to capture the sentiment.

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A Different Mirror

takaki a different mirror

Boston: Little, Brown and Company. I thought I knew a lot about the subject but this book showed me just how much I did not know. Social History as opposed to "official" history has emerged as its own genre in recent years. Though some groups of individuals left their homes willingly in order to take advantage of what America had to offer, others were forced to flee due to inhabitable conditions in their homelands. During the conversation, the driver asks how long Takaki has been in the United States, commenting that his English is very good. No, never treating them as a caricature, but more than that, never trying to reduce them to a singular identity, a singular narrative.

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A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America by Ronald Takaki

takaki a different mirror

It is simple and straight to the point. Irish Discrimination In America 1738 Words 7 Pages Throughout the years of American history there has been an abundance of groups that have decided to immigrate to the United States from other countries. Struggling together as workers could make people forget ethnic differences. In 1988, the government issued an apology and compensation for the Japanese-American victims of internment camps during the Second World War. However, while these studies provide crucial, detailed information, they can also miss vital chances to have a broader, comparative view. I suspect that some of the apparent rise in white supremacist groups is a reaction to the shrinking white majority. Chicago author-date , 17th ed.

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A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America (Revised Edition)

takaki a different mirror

Sometimes, it can seem as if the faith immigrants had in the promises of American freedom and equality were naïve—particularly considering the extent of the bad treatment many suffered in the US. Immigrant numbers were growing so exponentially that the National origins Act of 1921 and 1924 was enacted to put a quota limit that blatantly discriminated against immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe. It is a book that will be kept and saved for life in my humble small book shelf. In February 2006, fifteen hundred Irish participated in an immigration reform rally in San Francisco. He does a very good job of turning the "typical" story of America on its head and describing the ways in which those in power from the beginning the white upper class male control the lower classes. In a similar way to how the demand for labor accelerated the importation of immigrants to the US, the need for soldiers gave those excluded from society a role in fighting for the nation. Of note, this is not a "yay America" book, but neither is it a "America is terrible" book.

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A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America by Ronald Takaki

takaki a different mirror

And since I don't know of any word to capture that, I had to spell it out so I can clearly contrast it against A Different Mirror. A Different Mirror is a dramatic new retelling of our nation's history, a powerful larger narrative of the many different peoples who together compose the United States of America. Delving into the history of the many groups that have entered America over time, it has a lot to teach. They argued that the deplorable conditions on the plantations perpetuated an "undemocratic and un-American" society of "plutocrats and coolies. These books also tend to be a foundation for many of us white folks to start understanding racism as something real, still alive, and the basis of our economy. In a lively account filled with the stories and voices of people previously left out of the historical canon, Ronald Takaki offers a fresh perspective - a re-visioning - of our nation's past.

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"A Different Mirror" by Ronald Takaki

takaki a different mirror

I don't think I can describe how appreciative I am of Ronald Takaki's writing style. No single book could do that. For the future's sake, I had to piece together the two histories for my students, forcing them to read between the lines of a "standard US history" or so the administration called it! Crucially, Takaki contextualizes the current boom in undocumented Mexican immigrants by pointing out that in the nineteenth century, the US forced many Mexicans to live within its boundaries. Despite exploitation and oppression, ethnic minorities have built a rich and diverse nation, and it is important to recognize this truth. It is a highly readable history of American immigration and ethnic history, of interest to both the scholar and layman. I said recently to a friend of mine, "I can't help wondering how different life in the US would be if we had just taken the time to listen and to learn. People tried to fit into the American Society but they were not so easily accepted.

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