Author Description

Here is a unique anthology of writings by and about Mexican Americans. The editors have chosen articles, fiction, and poetry that form a realistic picture of Chicano life today--reminiscences of Mexican American childhood, accounts of Chicanos in the American school system, reports on strikes by Chicano workers, and poems and stories that reflect the hard realities of poverty and alienation. The contributors include Cesar Chavez on the California grape strike and Joan Baez on her experiences as a Mexican American. There are more than seven million Chicanos in the United States, and few of them could be recognized in such fading stereotypes as the lazy loafer with a sombrero over his face, the black-mustachioed bandit, the fiery-eyed revolutionary, or the dancing senorita whirling to the chatter of castanets. As Ed Ludwig writes in his introduction: "The Afro-American has succeeded, to a great extent, in erasing many of the old false images. Al Jolson with his black-face is no longer with us. Little Black Sambo is exiled. Now it's the Chicano's turn." Cover design by Al Pisano Cover art based on a mural by Diego Rivera