Richard Rodriguez

In a critically acclaimed and controversial memoir, the son of Mexican immigrants explores the American educational process and criticizes affirmative action and bilingualism as benign errors. Reprint.

The Education of Richard Rodriguez : an Autobiography

Hunger of Memory

Hunger of Memory is the story of Mexican-American Richard Rodriguez, who begins his schooling in Sacramento, California, knowing just 50 words of English, and concludes his university studies in the stately quiet of the reading room of the British Museum. Here is the poignant journey of a “minority student” who pays the cost of his social assimilation and academic success with a painful alienation — from his past, his parents, his culture — and so describes the high price of “making it” in middle-class America. Provocative in its positions on affirmative action and bilingual education, Hunger of Memory is a powerful political statement, a profound study of the importance of language ... and the moving, intimate portrait of a boy struggling to become a man.

The Education of Richard Rodriguez

Giovanni Garcia-Fenech 

A beautifully written book by a sad man alienated from his family, his past, and ultimately, himself. 

The son of immigrants, Rodríguez believes that the only option for minorities is to "assimilate" (that is, live up to the majority's expectations and standards), and he thinks the only way to do that is by turning away from one's past and heritage. He also seems to think that racism (at least towards brown people) is mostly a matter of class and education. 

I disagree with all of his conclusions, but I admit that I enjoyed his writing and sympathized with his sorrow.

Hunger of Memory The Education of Richard Rodriguez : an Autobiography

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