Rereading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking and Writing

by Gary Colombo, Robert Cullen, Bonnie Lisle

Reexamine deeply held cultural assumptions as Rereading America engages you with content that builds your skils as critical thinkers and writers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sociology, Textbooks, Writing, History, Education, American

704 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once upon a time, this was my go-to college resource for essays on diversity and multiculturalism in America. First published in 1989, this 860+ page tome is currently on its 12th edition.

“There is a somber point in the social outlook of Americans. Their sense of equality and human dignity is mainly limited to men of white skin… The more I feel like an American, the more this situation pains me.” ~Albert Einstein, 1946

[Jagged · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this for my college diversity English class. I read it before my classes started, and again throughout my course.
There are some interesting essays in here and some interesting opinions--but they are just that.
We used topics from the book as our weekly discussions so I was able to get a lot of different interpretations of this book, which was unique to me. So, for the setting in which this book was used, I think it was a great fit.
The problem with this book is that it only tackled one side of things, not multiple sides of the issues. For example, when it talks about the issues with the LGBTI and gay marriage, the only side you see is the side of the LGBTI and gays fighting for marriage equality. You are not shown how things went down for the religious, or even government officials. So it's very one-dimensional, and at times felt very much like attempted indoctrination.
The way that feminist issues were handled was extremely disappointing as well.
One of the things the book mentions is that there would be some offensive topics in here, but I was really only offended by the lack of depth and thought provocation provided. This book actually encourages racism and sexism at times with the content offered, because there is nothing to compare it to. It really suggests that you single everyone out for what race they are, what sex they are, and what sexual orientation they assign to, and then make sure you think about those differences without actually addressing them.
So, this is not a book that I took too seriously once I realized it. It sure is eye opening at times, but for the most part I felt that it was just a load of propaganda being pushed to sway readers to the author's opinions on matters. Even the questions being asked at the end of essays only ask one dimensional things. You are not really encouraged to delve deeper into what you really believe, only what the author's of the book want to push you towards.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite simply this book is a collection of essays or excerpts tackling a variety of issues surrounding the "mythology" of America. The offerings are grouped according to a theme: family (specifically the myth of the 1950s nuclear family), education (as a means to "success"), upward mobility, gender, the melting pot, and America as a "Land of Liberty." Every section basically follows the same loose formula-1.) an essay that epitomizes the myth or something old-school that the myth may have originated from 2.)then there will be an essay that almost directly refutes that myth or at least pokes a lot of holes. 3.)The following selections are mostly progressive/liberal leaning, but a couple conservative pieces are offered in each section that I believe only look more foolish in juxtaposition with the other selections..this seems fairly intentional. 4.)A small collection of photographs are also included in each section.

I found this book in a free pile at used textbook store in Southern California, and honestly most people who have gone to college and maybe taken at least one social science class will probably be familiar with most of these topics. I think many people of my generation already know that gender is fluid, racism is still an issue, and the nuclear family is almost an anomaly. However, I still found this book to be a very interesting and sometimes refreshing read. I really liked reading essays dealing with education as a means of socialization first and foremost above learning, and especially an essay detailing a compelling and justified call for black reparations. I also just liked being exposed to new (to me) nonfiction writers. With all of the short selections, its kinda like eating addicting snacks...maybe not super enlightening (or nourishing), but satisfying in the short term.

[Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Rereading America provides a deep socio-psychological perspective of the American community. From the articles that make up the text to the illustrations depicting American people and their environment at different stages and statuses of life, the book directs the readers focus on the America that is not commonly seen from the outside perception of life. The articles bring about the deep realities that most Americans assume to be unrelated to their lives in the past and the future. One of the most vivid concepts from the articles is that of gender and social status being determinants of individual opportunity.
From the book, it is notable that individual opportunity is a myth that drives people to become overly engrossed in their social status and in groups where they can feel they belong, have the right form of education, clothing, and foods. This implies that all members of the social struggle to ensure that they at least fit into what the social class they identify with consider normal. However, there are major differences in these struggles depending on the individual gender and race. This paper explores this concept from the article by Barbara Ehrenreich whose focus is on living and working in a low-class society and the article by Gregory Mantsios who focuses on the issue of class in America. The paper will also relate the articles to the image of a white girl picking cotton found in the book under the images of individual opportunity in America (409).
From Barbara’s article, “Serving in Florida” a focus s developed on the experiences of a person working in s culture that comprises the majority of the people who are considered to be low-class citizens. The most important aspect of the article that relates to the concept of gender and class is the indication that the low-class citizens do not mind being mistreated, exploited and even overworked in poor inhumane conditions. Their main desire is to secure a job and at least earn something to keep their lives moving on (367).
Barbara describes her own experience and opinions regarding a society that does not mind itself. In very clear details, she describes that the women and the men in the low-income society, as the one she was working in Florida would rather work without food and the basic hygiene than to risk losing their jobs. Healthy working conditions do not bother them and this increases their chances of being exploited at their own expense. The basic claim in this article is therefore that people living in abject poverty cannot be expected to live healthy lives with only the current minimum wage. Their lack of opportunities, either based on their gender and social status means that they will become vulnerable to mistreatment and exploitation that further threaten their healthy living. Thus, they have no opportunity to live the “American Dream” (373).
The concepts explored in the book relate to the revelation that the American dream was never going to be realized, at least not by everybody. The collection of essays and articles brings together opinions, expressions and personal experiences of different people and experts whose analytical and critical exploration of the life of Americans is rational. Issues that have been widely regarded as of concern by with very little efforts to find a solution to them are explored in the book. Equal opportunity for all Americans is one of the concepts that has developed over time with a wide range of experts and scholars exploring the equity issue from different perspectives. Two of the oldest perspectives in this is the gender and social class issues.
For common America, the fact the people of a specific gender of a specific social class have a lesser individual opportunity for growth and empowerment is rather common. However, most of the articles in the book attempt to reduce the common feeling and help expose the deeper roots of the concern. This concern has therefore been selected due to the weight of the issue in the life today and the fact that most people tend to deny the existence of discriminations related to gender and social class. Whereas the existence of these vices is not debatable, the impact that they have on the life of the common American and the realization of the American dream is significant.
Mantsios, in his article, “Class in America” attempts to create a different perspective on the issue of social class and how it affects people’s life and opportunity. From his own description, there are refutable myths about a class that has been widely held by Americans, in order to deceive themselves that social class does not affect them as much (381). His basic claim is that the class that anyone belongs to either consciously or otherwise affects them in a significant way.
The author uses statistics to prove that being in a specific class in the society determines how one operate as an adult and also how the current and future generations in that line will survive. For instance, the article cites the example of a person born in poverty. For his or her, life is about struggling to obtain the basic needs. Opportunities such as good education and healthy eating will not be prioritized. Thus, the person is likely not to succeed in school and hence will not secure the lucrative and high-paying jobs. The cycle is therefore likely to repeat itself in the next generation. In a rather exaggerated exploration of the statistics, Mantsios uses data from a research conducted on students who had taken a board exam. From the statistics, there is a relationship between the social class that people belong to and their scores on a standardized test (385). His conclusion was therefore that the higher the social class of a student and his family, the higher the chances that the student will score high grades.
From the image, a white girl of school-going age is seen picking cotton (409). The image can be viewed from two perspectives. First, the fact that the human being in the picture is a female demonstrate that women have historically been considered to be a weaker gender who have been denied serious opportunities for empowerment. Working in the fields was common for the women especially in families where the economic status could not allow them to have slaves or paid workers to work on cotton farms. Secondly, when compared to the other historical pictures of slaves working in the cotton fields, the white girl now looks better off. She is better clothed, looks healthier and even cleaner. This implies that even with her lack of opportunities, there are still other people who are lower than her in the social rankings.
The common concern in the articles and the image is that gender and social status have been allowed in the American society to destroy the social fabric. Even with the vast availability of resources and opportunities to succeed in life, the access to these elements is dictated by the person’s gender or social status. The articles and the image complement one another and vividly demonstrate the details of this basic concern. Based on Mantsios’ article, the people who are born in families that have access to resources and are significantly able to have more opportunities for further growth than those born in low-class families. To the latter, life is a struggle to be sustained and they are thus ready to even risk their health and their lives in order to keep the little they already have.
This is well demonstrated by Barbara’s article that looks at the behavior and mentality of the workers in low-income areas. The image then gives an even deeper concept of the concern by first introducing the aspect of gender as a factor in the access to opportunity. The image also demonstrates that social classes do significantly affect everyone and even within one broad class, there are even smaller classes that take the exact same shape as in the general society.
Although Barbara’s view of the social class and the minimum wage is based on personal experience views and perceptions, it is significantly validated by the claims raised by Mantsios. Mantsios believes that people who do not consider the existence of the social classes a fact deceive themselves in an attempt to hide from the facts. However, he uses statistical evidence to demonstrate the importance of the concern and how it affects every part of human life in America. This is then depicted vividly in the image where the issues of class and gender as determinants of social and economic opportunities strongly arise.
In conclusion, therefore, the book Rereading America seeks to demonstrate through facts and expert opinions that the American dream ought to be rethought. The experts whose articles are in the book support a common claim that Americans need to reset their goals. In particular, the two articles hereby explored demonstrate resetting the goals for Americans must start by redefining themselves and their connections to one another. Barbara and Mantsios use their articles to describe the most common forms of denial of individual opportunities that are currently seen in the American society. The image contributes to the discourse by exploring the historical perspective of the concern and how it affects more people than we can see from the outside. After such concerns have been raised, therefore, there must be a strategic recognition and acknowledgment of the existence of social classes’ after which efforts must be made to ensure that social equity is realized. In addition, individual opportunities must be directly related to the individual efforts and capability and not on their gender or social status. Recognising that the existing frameworks inhibit social justice through the systems that deny individuals of their opportunities as Americans must be the first step towards solving the concern.

[Zenobia “Z” Redeaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an excellent book for my English composition students. My only complaint is that some stories from the 10th addition were removed in the 11th edition.

[Ashley]

I was required to get this book for my first college English course, and I found it to be the best "Textbook" I have ever read. This is the kind of book that I would really want to read in my free time, all the articles are very informative, interesting and thought-provoking. A lot of the subjects are things that you have never thought of before but find yourself being passionate about them right away after you read it. Never dry or boring, always open-minded and challenging you to think deeper about life and yourself. There is a little bit for every person it here and there are always 2 sides to every opinion to keep you questioning yourself. After I dropped the English class I kept the book and am reading it in my free time. I think everyone should be required to read this just to become a more self-aware, culture-aware and participating American citizen.

[Nicholas Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't my usual diet, but this is an extremely important book. It is largely essays with a mixing of fictionalized histories and some stories, but, here is the important thing, everything about this book is quality.

The writers are all good at what they do, some of them amazing. The essays are poignant and focused, balanced by authors on both sides of the spectrum. This is a historically and politically important book that should be read by every American. Some sections are better than others, but for insight and quality writing, a really do not think a better collection exists about America.

On a side note, probably not that interesting to non-Americans, obviously. Still, anyone interested in America should read this with an open mind.

It really is outstanding.

[MOLLY ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･]

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[MrsQ]

This is one of those point/counterpoint books that you are often required to read in undergraduate college courses, which is why I was a little surprised to see it pop up in a graduate level course. In spite of the fact that it's clearly intended for undergraduates taking their initial required humanities courses, the articles are actually very thought provoking, and surprisingly I had not already encountered most of them in other contexts. The book delves into all of life's controversies and has articles that reflect a variety of perspectives--both liberal and conservative. While I may never agree with the biases or political choices of some of the authors, I have to concede that all of them have very good points to make. If you are intending to broaden your mind, this is a good book for you.

[Jonathan Brammer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology includes a pretty wide range of viewpoints and ideas about topics like gender relations, education and race - from Rick Santorum to Thoreau. There certainly is a leftward slant, as the conservative writers included really only create the barest semblance of balance. Rereading America really hits its stride in the last section, where our concept of democracy is discussed in light of the War on Terror. Provocative questions are raised - things that might shock kids out of complacency.

[Tom Darrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great text for anyone who is involved in American studies. Contains numerous essays that encourage debate. They are broken down into the following categories... The Myth of the Model Family, The Myth of Education and Empowerment, The Myth of Individual Opportunity, Myths of Gender, the Myth of the Melting Pot and the Myth of Frontier Freedom. I especially enjoyed the contrast between the Horatio Ager story (about upward mobility) and the Class in America article by Gary Mantsios. Very thought provoking.

[Michael]

A great "issues-based" reader (cultural studies-oriented) for any college composition or essay writing course. I've taught various editions of this book for many years...and it always succeeds at generating student dialogue grounded in not-so-easy-to-settle issues. I like it so much, I've even blurbed the back cover of this one.

[Bailey Timmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reading parts of this book for my college English class, but it is such a thought-provoking book that I read other sections. A great book that makes you think, I really enjoy reading this book and cannot wait to finish.

[ػᶈᶏϾӗ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is THE reader I will be using for class. Brilliant selections, well-arranged sections, good use of visuals, and all tied to together with excellent questions to foster group work and critical thinking.

[Nora Alfaham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This text is required for my Comp II and so far it looks to be interesting, rethinking and examining the concept of education in America.

[Blackbook · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good textbook for teaching about reading and writing about race,class, sexuality and gender issues.

[Tracy]

Interesting. I liked the graphic novel section.

[Jonathan]

None

[Jillian]

Read parts of this book in college...I remember each essay/chapter having an impact on me.

[angrykitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

though there are some really good/interesting selections in this book, the part that i found most interesting were the photo portfolios....sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words.....

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a required text for a english class. It was great, and I didn't sell it back to the bookstore like I do with all my other college texts!!

[Stitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

School Book

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

- unique perspectives
- mostly unsurprising, personally
- didn't learn much; mostly a moderately interesting reading

[Mills College Library]

808.0427 R428 2016

[Kunto · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://kuntostore.blogspot.com