The second-largest Latino-immigrant group in Los Angeles after Mexicans; Central Americans have become a remarkable presence in city neighborhoods; with colorful festivals; flags adorning cars; community organizations; as well as vibrant ethnic businesses. The people from Belize; Guatemala; El Salvador; Honduras; Nicaragua; Costa Rica; and Panama living in Los Angeles share many cultural and historical commonalities; such as language; politics; religion; and perilous migratory paths as well as future challenges. The distinctions are also evident as ethnicities; music; and food create a healthy diversity throughout residential locations in Los Angeles. During the 1980s and 1990s; an unprecedented number of new Central Americans arrived in this cosmopolitan city; many for economic reasons while others were escaping political turmoil in their native countries. Today they are part of the ethnic layers that shape the local population. Central Americans have embraced Los Angeles as home and; in doing so; transported their rich heritage and customs to the streets of this multicultural metropolis.
#1307832 in Books Basic Books 2002-04 2002-04-16Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .50 x 6.00l; .74 #File Name: 0738207454197 pages
Review
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful. For those seeking an academic/social perspectiveBy Elaine ArchambeauFatima Mernissi has provides an interesting; academic and social perspective of Islam and it's fear of democracy; while providing yet a solid argument for the need for Islam to embrace democracy. She persuasively argues that the positive aspects and practice of Islam would flourish if the people of Islam were to choose their faith; rather than out of ignorace or fear. The positive aspects would provide no threat to other cultures and religions; as that is true Islam. With myself being of the west; Mernissi gave me my first insights into my own stereotyping and misunderstanding of Islam that many in the West both believe in and sometimes act on. She is provocative to all who read her; whether one is Arabic; Middle Eastern; European or American. Her scholarly and simultaneously interesting work is also a must for women who are either Islamic or those who are not.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Insightful; straightforward; great bookBy Eliot DoddI have three of Mernissi's books and they are all definitely worth the money and the time reading. Mernissi is one of the most insightful and eye-opening authors on female social issues in Islam. I used all three of her books for a college term paper and she helped me get a great grade! These books also stand the test of time I find them to be interesting every time I go back to them. Two thumbs up!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy ZinathRead for Seminary class great resource
