"A Different Mirror"

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the book "A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America," written by Ronald Takaki. Specifically, it summarizes parts three and four of the book, which focus on "distances" between cultures and "crossings" and what the mirror may hold for the future. The paper concludes with Takaki's advice that we all came from different shores in the beginning and that our stories and history have many more commonalities than differences.

From the Paper:

"Mexican migrant workers form another facet of this multicultural mirror in America. They too crossed the border into America hoping for opportunity and jobs. What they found, like so many others, was backbreaking work in the fields of the West. This section indicates how Chicano and American workers were paid far different wages, even doing the same jobs, and they, also like many others, created their own communities, the barrios, where they felt comfortable and secure. They also worked in a number of other low-paying professions, and often sent money home to their relatives to support them. The compelling issue among all these immigrants is their desire for a better life, and their need to retain at least some of their own culture. This seems to be the biggest problem with Americans, who expect immigrants to immediately become Americanized and forget their old lives and cultures. For many, this is simply not possible and desirable. The mirror is different for all, and that is one of the strongest points the author makes throughout this section of the book."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Takaki, Ronald. A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1993.

More papers on "A Different Mirror":

• Book Review # 62802 : "A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America"
• Book Review # 2172 : "Different types of Religion in Wilkie Collins's "The Moonstone"
• Comparison Essay # 286 : "Mirror Opposites"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: