A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America

February 29, 2008 | By Doug In Dining Tables |

A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America
used

Customer Review: HORRIBLE!!!!
I hated this book. Needed it for a “multicultural awareness in education” class. It was boring, hard to follow, difficult to understand and written in some sort of “language” that only Einstein could comprehend.

Customer Review: Very Biased and Very Good
If one were to write a history of any nation exclusively from the perspective of minority groups would it be a fair, complete and accurate portrait of that nation’s story, character and culture? Probably not, but nonetheless you would have a penetrating look inside the world view of those who may get overlooked in the panoramic style of many history books. This is what you walk away with from Ronald Takaki’s wonderful book `A Different Mirror’.

The book is somewhat dated considering many newly published American history books include the tales of blacks, women, Indians, Jews and even gays but `A Different Mirror’ remains valuable because Takaki provides nuggets of information about the contributions of particular groups that aren’t well know but are important and deserve acknowledgement.

A downside to this book, and it’s serious, is that with the use of Shakespearean and other literary references, Takaki weaves a common thread of victimhood among all groups, suggesting that American society is nothing close to what it claims to be in the preamble of the Constitution. No society is perfect and though groups in America may have been exploited, America does not hold a monopoly on exploitation. Yet millions of minorities continue to rush into this nation for its distinct qualities that are rare and non-existent in other parts of the world. It would have enhanced Takaki’s goal, which was to tell the stories of minority groups, if he didn’t overlook the positive factors that compelled many to select this country.

If you want an introduction into American history this shouldn’t be the only book you read, but `A Different Mirror’ is enjoyable and highly recommended for anyone who wants to get a fuller picture of the American story.

CC-2793 Beaujon Dining Table by Currey & Company
Truck Freight Shipping Glass not included

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