"Down These Mean Streets"

Paper Summary:

The paper examines the book "Down These Mean Streets" and discusses how Piri Thomas, as a combination of several minority ethnicities, must address the conflicting attitudes towards diversity in his Puerto Rican and African-American heritage. The paper devotes time to analyzing Piri's conflict of identity. The paper recommends this book to others, because of its authenticity, its passion, and the quality of the writing. The paper also believes that the graphic and rich illustration of the conflict can make people more aware of how their societal perceptions can hurt others.

Outline:
Introduction
Body
Thematic Conflict in the Plot
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Underneath the environmental interference that Piri experiences and struggles with, the real message is the struggle for a common basis for establishing one's inward identity and sense of self, amid the conflicting message about his racial and ethnic identity that is endemic of our society's attitudes towards minorities and multiculturalism. Piri is both Puerto Rican and African-American by descent; in his native culture this is not remarkable, but accepted as all individuals who are in an amalgamation of ethnic descent. In America, different heritage is a cause for hierarchical ordering, racism, bias and discrimination that challenges the self-esteem and psychological stability of all who are minorities."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Thomas, Piri. Down These Mean Streets. Vintage Edition 1997 (Originally 1967). 352 pp.

More papers on "Down These Mean Streets":

• Book Review # 117751 : "Piri Thomas' "Down These Mean Streets"
• Analytical Essay # 56921 : "Down These Mean Streets"
• Essay # 20158 : "The Culture of Suffering"

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