Review by Choice Review
Martinez's brief overview of Mexican American history from the mid-19th century to the present is topically organized and focuses on the 20th century. This enables him to detail selected areas of significance, but other areas are neglected. Martinez (Univ. of Arizona) highlights immigration, the history of anti-Mexican American discrimination and racial oppression, the struggle for civil rights, the problems of employment and job discrimination, social progress, and the emergence of Mexican American political power. In spite of these difficulties, a significant number of Mexican Americans have achieved economic, social, and even some political success, but others, especially newer immigrants, remain victims of discrimination and poverty. There are two weaknesses in Martinez's arguments. First, he tends to focus on vivid images of discrimination and economic oppression but offers fewer comparable images depicting Mexican American triumphs and successes. More serious is Martinez's lack of data to support his assertion that Mexican Americans faced more obstacles than did other immigrant groups. He fails to place the Mexican American experience within the context of American immigration and ethnic history. In spite of these problems, this remains a valuable book, especially for general and undergraduate readers looking for a brief introduction to the Mexican American experience. C. D. Wintz Texas Southern University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
