Author Description

"The first anthology to collect readings on the historical and contemporary expereinces of western Native Americans, Mexican Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans, Peoples of Color in the American West brings together essays by revisionist historians and social scientists who in recent years have rejected romanticized appraoches to western American history. Most of the readings treat peoples of color not as victims but as active agents in the making of the history of the American West. The editors encourage students to search for characteristics that several groups share and for patterns that persist from one historical period to the next, as well as for significant differences among groups. By juxtaposing readings, the editors do not imply that the histories of nonwhite peoples in the American West have been completely similar or that their cultures have been homogenous and static; rather, the aim is to highlight important commonalities, without slighting their differences. The editors' notes call students' attention to the contributions of these various groups to the economy, society, and cultures of the American West, as well as to the interracial and interethnic tensions. Not glossing over the latter is important, because as the United States increasingly becomes a multiethnic society, viable bases for cooperation will be found only through an understanding of the roots of conflict"--Back cover.