| Reactions
Dr. Franklin admired Luis' determination and tenacity. He once told me that "if there were five of me, I'd definitely have one of me spend more time with Luis." There was a common thread woven through their character of humility, grace, justice, and human kindness that made their friendship particularly unforgettable.
Sincerely,
Charity V. Greene
(prev) Executive Assistant
John Hope Franklin
__________________________________________________________________
"An Other's Mind" is a landmark and brilliant piece of research on Social Policy and its relationship with covert and overt institutional racism. Professor Quiros addresses everyday racism in corporate America, not-for-profit agencies and academic settings. It is written with a combination of depth and clarity of the haves and have not's. He gives clear examples of discrimination, oppression and poorly integrated aspects of self and proposes ways we can arrive at a more clear-eyed vision of a truly democratic nation. His building blocks are historical theories and live case studies of various situations that demonstrate both the tragedies of omission and neglect perpetuated by the elites in our society. Quiros' passionate and intra-psychic experience in conjunction with his detailed research, evident in our everyday lives as he presents it, is a real "eye-opener" for the United States and its myriad of cultures and people.
-- Maria Muñoz Kantha, PhD, LCSW is an activist, educator and Mental Health Consultant in NYC
[An Other's Mind] gave me good insight into Mamaroneck, as I am sure other communities are going through similar situations--I had no idea, was living in a bubble. Again, the myth of "perfect" Westchester county. The inclusion of some of your students' perspectives was helpful, as well.
All in all, an eye opener (when we think our eyes are already at their widest, there is always room to open them more).
It leaves me wondering how those of us who haven't had similar experiences can keep the fire going, find our passion.
-- Student, Sociology and Anthropology course
Luis Quiros has written an important book that reminds us of the very present wrongs in our society that continue to perpetuate racism and economic inequality. Speaking from his own experiences as a Puerto Rican man, he demonstrates how the personal and the political combine to both harm the individual and our neighborhoods and country. I grew up in the same neighborhood as Luis and we had a common bond as outsiders ( I am Jewish and it was a predominantly Catholic neighborhood). It's interesting that we both became social workers helping the disadvantaged in our communities.
Luis highlights some of the micro-aggressions that occur to many people on a daily basis. I am reminded of the Puerto Rican man who told me that his car was vandalized and he was almost assaulted by a gang of youths who mistakenly thought he was an Arab after 9/11. Also, the black man with his White girlfriend entering the subway being stopped by the police to search his bag while his girlfriend was left alone.
It is important for all Americans to stand up for what is right and Luis is a good role model helping us to recognize discrimination and then to take action. I can highly recommend this book for all of those who want to know more about the injustices in our society and one man's struggle and protest.
-- Dan Heimowitz, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Not only have I read your book, my friend of Puerto Rican decent and a "blue collar" worker just borrowed it from me this weekend on my recommendation.
I fully understand your point and want to let you know that back in the 1980's when I was in college I applied for the NYC Mayoral Scholarship Award (under Mayor Koch) for low-income families and checked "other" in the application when asked about race. I was called for an interview and when I arrived I was asked why I checked "other" on the race question and not Caucasian/White, I simply replied I am not "White" because first I am of the human race and second because I am born of poor Irish immigrants and never considered myself as White ... relating to the English Empire...I was those students in a different forum at a different time but certainly realize that my color, etc...overcame many prejudices because people of color were and are more identifiable.
Peace,
Anthony Wynne, Lower Hudson Valley Civil Liberties Union
Every now and then I come upon a book that speaks so directly to me and my experiences it's as if the author were writing not about his own life but about mine. Professor Quiros is passionate, honest and unapologetic, a real hero in a league of his own.
-- Orlando Pinto, Student: Social, Political and Economic Dynamics of Communities
As Luis Quiros points out in An Other's Mind: "...it took me very little time to discover two truths about students--(1) Without a cultural point of reference just about any community of students could be kept from engaging in the classroom and, therefore, kept from learning..." (153) This shows that you have to be able to understand and correlate what is being taught in the classroom with the cultural identities of the students. If you sit and talk to a bunch of Hispanic kids about White history and never mention anything about Hispanics or correlate it to their identity they are not going to care...Throughout one's educational experience there must be a common ground on which to communicate. In order to communicate effectively, it is important to speak a language in which everyone can relate to and understand....
Schools publicly say that diversity is important and every child has needs that must be met. The government is an accomplice in this statement. The government stands by this view for schools, and they swear that this view is something that has a positive impact on society. Many of these schools are making such positive public statements, but how many of them are actually making an effort to live up to the standards that they are portraying?
-- Elizette, Student: Economic Values & Systems
An Other's Mind is not just a book, but the story of a man. In the story this man goes through personal and economic adversity, but does not bend. Life could have been easier for him if he would have just let things be. If he did not rock the boat he might have been a rich man because he worked for a lot of good companies and agencies. But then I would not have met this man who opened my eyes to a world full of constant struggles. I would not have learned the importance of utilizing what I have learned to help others just like me. As he states:..."If there is injustice for one there is injustice for all..."
My grandmother and grandfather were always talking about the Civil Rights and about Black leaders. My aunt was always part of an election board for Black politicians. I know what racism is because from a very young age my family talked to me about it. I also know racism because I have personally experienced it...
-- Cynthia, Student: Social, Political & Economic Aspects
Discrimination's power has waned, but it is still strong in today's America. "An Other's Mind" is a discussion of race and discrimination in today's country, focusing on the crisis of institutionalized racism, comparing history the modern day, showing that while things may have improved, in some cases things are as worse as they've ever been. With an upfront honesty that doesn't whitewash the problem, "An Other's Mind" is an excellent discussion of race and America and the challenges that are ahead and remain strong.
5.0 out of 5 stars A discussion of race and discrimination in today's country, May 7, 2011
I am so thankful, first of all, to be able to meet and learn from Luis Quiros. My emotions get the best of me, and my tie with Mr. Q and his classes, his stories, and his book are so keen and mirrored. The book completely grabbed me from the first page to the back cover. I was captivated and motivated by how Luis went into detail about his triumphs and struggles, and really hit points that we as a people know, think of and see, but he was there in the FIGHT!
I can only imagine what it may have been like during a time before me; to live through and see how in all this time, practically nothing has changed. I now stand next to Mr. Q everyday and joining the fight with him, and be proud of who I am, where I come from, and knowing that I should never again be afraid or timid to speak and be heard; fight for those who can't and speak on their behalf!
I am deeply honored to have the experience of being part of a class that Mr. Luis Quiros taught, but even more privilege to say I know him, and he has greatly influenced a part of me that I knew I always had, and he simply re-awakened. The struggles and wars that we go through make us ordinary people; how we adapt, overcome and triumph make us extraordinary! Like Dr. Franklin, Like Mr. Q, we are the Others, and we must remember that we are ONE! God Bless you, Luis, and more future success!
-- Joseph, Student: Urban Poverty
"An Other's Mind" Clearly defines how people of color in this nation can never reach their full potential. How privilege is reserved for those who have the right skin color and ethnic background. Is a must read book if you are a Human Services student or professional.
-- Jackie Ramos-Calderon M.S.W.
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