The Idea of Race in Latin America, 1870-1940 (LLILAS Critical Reflections on Latin America Series)

From the mid-nineteenth century until the 1930s, many Latin American leaders faced a difficult dilemma regarding the idea of race. On the one hand, they aspired to an ever-closer connection to Europe and North America, where, during much of this period, "scientific" thought condemned nonwhite races to an inferior category. Yet, with the heterogeneous racial makeup of their societies clearly before them and a growing sense of national identity impelling consideration of national futures, Latin American leaders hesitated. What to do? Whom to believe? Latin American political and intellectual leaders' sometimes anguished responses to these dilemmas form the subject of The Idea of Race in Latin America. Thomas Skidmore, Aline Helg, and Alan Knight have each contributed chapters that succinctly explore various aspects of the story in Brazil, Argentina, Cuba, and Mexico. While keenly alert to the social and economic differences that distinguish one Latin American society from another, each author has also addressed common issues that Richard Graham ably draws together in a brief introduction. Written in a style that will make it accessible to the undergraduate, this book will appeal as well to the sophisticated scholar.

From the mid-nineteenth century until the 1930s, many Latin American leaders faced a difficult dilemma regarding the idea of race. On the one hand, they aspired to an ever-closer connection to Europe and North America, where, during much of this period, "scientific" thought condemned nonwhite races to an inferior category. Yet, with the heterogeneous racial makoup of their societies clearly before them and a growing sense of national identity impelling consideration of national futures, Latin American leaders hesitated. What to do? Whom to believe?

Latin American political and intellectual leaders' sometimes anguished responses to these dilemmas form the subject of The Idea of Race in Latin America. Thomas Skidmore, Aline Helg, and Alan Knight have each contributed chapters that succinctly explore various aspects of the story in Brazil, Argentina, Cuba, and Mexico. While keenly alert to the social and economic differences that distinguish one Latin American society from another, each author has also addressed common issues that Richard Graham ably draws together in a brief introduction.

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Three essays (accessible to undergraduates) on the paradoxes and ambiguities of the "idea of race" in the political and intellectual history of Brazil, Argentina, Cuba, and Mexico. Paper edition (ISBN 0-292-73857-9), $7.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

From The Mid-nineteenth Century Until Th 1930s, Many Latin American Leaders Faced A Difficult Dilemma Regarding The Idea Of Race. On The One Hand, They Aspired To An Ever Closer Connection To Europe And North America, Where During Much Of This Period Scientific Thought Condemned The Nonwhite Races To An Inferior Catagory. Yet, With The Heterogeneneous Racial Makeup Of Their Societies Clearly Before Them And A Growing Sense Of National Identity Impelling Consideration Of National Futures, Latin American Leaders Hesitated. What To Do? Whom To Believe? Latin American Political And Intellectual Leaders' Sometimes Anguished Responses To These Dilemmas Form The Subject Of The Idea Of Race In Latin America (from Back Cover). Racial Ideas And Social Policy In Brazil, 1870-1940 / Thomas E. Skidmore -- Race In Argentina And Cuba, 1880-1930 / Aline Helg -- Racism, Revolution And Indigenismo / Alan Knight. Edited And With An Introduction By Richard Graham ; With Chapters By Thomas E. Skidmore, Aline Helg, And Alan Knight. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [115]-128) And Index. From the mid-nineteenth century until the 1930s, many Latin American leaders faced a difficult dilemma regarding the idea of race. On the one hand, they aspired to an ever closer connection to Europe and North America, where during much of this period "scientific" thought condemned the nonwhite races to an inferior category. Yet, with the heterogeneous racial makeup of their societies clearly before them and a growing sense of national identity impelling consideration of national futures, Latin American leaders hesitated. What to do? Whom to believe? Latin American political and intellectual leaders' sometimes anguished responses to these dilemmas form the subject of The Idea of race in Latin America (from back cover) Frontmatter Preface (page vii) 1. Introduction (Richard Graham, page 1) 2. Racial Ideas and Social Policy in Brazil, 1870-1940 (Thomas E. Skidmore, page 7) 3. Race in Argentina and Cuba, 1880-1930: Theory, Policies, and Popular Reaction (Aline Helg, page 37) 4. Racism, Revolution, and Indigenismo: Mexico, 1910-1940 (Alan Knight, page 71) Bibliography (page 115) Index (page 129) While Latin American leaders wanted a closer connection with Europe and North America, these regions' views on nonwhites came in conflict with Latin America's heterogenous racial makeup; this book examines how some countries navigated this dilemma.