The Cosmic Race: A Bilingual Edition (Race in the Americas)

Rating:
Summary: Spiritual and not scientific
Review: If read in the light of race, Vasconcelos at first appears disturbing. However, Raza Cosmica needs to be read in the light of the spiritual vs. materialist debate raging in Latin America through the 19th century into the mid 20th. The Author is reflecting on "Anglo" materialism vs. "Hispano" spiritualism, and the idea of race is really secondary when compared to his vision of the future. An absolute must read for the debates of the Revolution in Mexico and all of Latin America trying to find a place in the world of a North Atlantic economy.

Rating:
Summary: an out of the ordinary book
Review: This book basicly revolves around a central thesis that all of the races on earth tend to intermix at a gradually increasing pace, and eventually will give rise to a new human type, composed of selections from each of the races already in existence. This race will be called the Cosmic Race. It is an interesting theory that in some ways is similar to the darwinist doctrine. This book is exceptionally well written and very compelling. I enjoyed this book and would recommend trying it out.

Rating:
Summary: racist psycho
Review: vasconcelos was a man who used racism to promote his views. an extremely interesting, yet equally disturbing essay. if curious about race in mexico, this is an important read.