JSTOR

"I'm Not Gonna Die in This Damn Place"

Author

Coronado, Juan David ; Coronado, Juan David

Year

2018

Publisher

Michigan State University Press

Type

BOOK

Category

History

Language

English

Pages

260

ISBN

978-1-62895-321-3

Link

Last Update

09-Sep-2024

Keywords

SOCIAL SCIENCE / LGBT Studies / General

Description

By the time of the Vietnam War era, the “Mexican American Generation” had made tremendous progress both socially and politically. However, the number of Mexican Americans in comparison to the number of white prisoners of war (POWs) illustrated the significant discrimination and inequality the Chicano population faced in both military and civilian landscapes. Chicanos were disproportionately “grunts” (infantry), who were more likely to be killed when captured, while pilots and officers were more likely to be both white and held as POWs for negotiating purposes. A fascinating look at the Vietnam War era from a Chicano perspective, “I’m Not Gonna Die in this Damn Place”: Manliness, Identity, and Survival of the Mexican American Vietnam Prisoners of War gives voice to the Mexican American POWs. The stories of these men and their families provide insights to the Chicano Vietnam War experience, while also adding tremendously to the American POW story. This book is an important read for academics and military enthusiasts alike.

Related

See More