Judith McDonnell

(Vou traduzir proximamente!!)
There are many good studies on Brazilian immigrants in the United States, but none better than Bernadete Beserra's. She analyzes the process of Brazilian immigrant identity negotiation within the U.S. a priori ethno-racial hierarchy. Beserra, herself a Brazilian, explains the many ways that this relatively small immigrant group from a very large country must negotiate its identity in response to the economic, political and social conditions in which they find themselves. Theses conditions, especially in the context of U.S. imperialism and advanced capitalism, are often experienced as anti-immigrant and, more specifically, anti-Brazilian, creating dilemmas for Brazilians. For example, Beserra unpacks the issue of Brazilians negotiating a Latino identity vis-à-vis other identity categories. Beserra combines in-depth interviews with Brazilians in the Los Angeles area, with participant observation, with socio-economic data of 195 people. The mixed-methodology allows the author to provide the reader with a number of important angles on the process of "Americanization," that Brazilians do or do not experience. This book is a must read for three groups. First, this will make a compelling read for people that finds themselves searching for a book that describes quality of life issues for immigrant groups. Beserra's skillful weaving of immigrant stories into the context of U.S. American culture and class allows the reader to see pieces of the daily experiences of Brazilians. Second, for social activists that are concerned with all immigrants fights for justice, the author provides portraits of the ways by which immigrants struggle and survive. But, do not be misled. This book is first and foremost a fine scholarly work. So, the third group are scholars and academics working in a variety of disciplines with myriad interests. This group will appreciate Beserra's theoretical context, borrowing heavily from Bourdieu, and her consistency in placing the Brazilian immigrant experience in the context that she develops. That said, the three groups are not mutually exclusive in what excites them about a book. Scholars will appreciate the narrative excerpts, activists will too, and the general readership will find the theoretical context interesting and so well written as to be understandable without background in the area. If you don't claim membership in any of the three "groups" buy this book anyway. Brazilian communities in the U.S. are becoming both more numerous and larger. The chances are good that you will find yourself interacting with the growing Brazilian immigrant population. Bernadete Beserra's book will help you find and interact on common ground.