Culture and Difference ― Critical Perspectives on the Bicultural Experience in the United States

The yearning to remember who we are is not easily detected in the qualitative dimensions of focus groups and ethnographic research methods; nor is it easily measured in standard quantified scientific inquiry. It is deeply rooted, obscured by layer upon layer of human efforts to survive the impact of historical amnesia induced by the dominant policies and practices of advanced capitalism and postmodern culture. Darder's introduction sets the tone by describing the formation of "Warriors for Gringostroika" and "The New Mestizas." In the words of Anzaldua, "those who cross over, pass over . . . the confines of the `normal.'" Critical essays follow by Mexicanas, poets, activists, and educators of all colors and persuasions. The collection coming out of the good work of the Southern California University system relates to all locales and spectrums of the human condition and will no doubt inspire excellent creativity of knowing and remembering among all who chance to read any part thereof.

ANTONIA DARDER is Associate Professor of Education at the Claremont Graduate School, and is the author ofCulture and Power in the Classroom: A Critical Foundation for Bicultural Education (Bergin & Garvey, 1991).