La Cultura Norteamericana Contemporanea: Una Vision Antropologica (El Libro De Bolsillo) : Book Review

"La Cultura Norteamericana Contemporánea" by Marvin Harris provides a captivating exploration of the various facets of contemporary American culture. As an esteemed anthropologist, Harris delves into religion, politics, economics, and popular culture to offer unique insights into the values and practices that shape American identity.

The book commences with an examination of the religious landscape in America, highlighting the rich diversity of faiths and their significant influence on the cultural fabric. Harris investigates the rise of fundamentalism and explores how religious institutions contribute to the formation of American values and norms. His analysis provides a nuanced understanding of how religion continues to impact American society in multifaceted ways.

Furthermore, Harris delves into the realm of politics and its profound influence on American culture. He explores the concept of the American Dream, the prominence of individualism, and the role of capitalism. Through critical insights, Harris illuminates the power structures that perpetuate inequalities and shape the social landscape of the United States.

Additionally, the book delves into the significance of popular culture in shaping American identity. Harris examines the role of mass media, such as television, film, and music, in molding public opinion and influencing societal norms. By analyzing popular culture, Harris provides valuable insights into how it both reflects American values and impacts social behavior.

Harris presents his analysis in an engaging and thought-provoking manner. Supported by extensive research, his perspective offers a fresh understanding of American culture. "La Cultura Norteamericana Contemporánea" is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper comprehension of contemporary American society and its cultural underpinnings. Through this book, readers will gain valuable insights that challenge conventional wisdom and provide a broader perspective on American culture.

What are readers saying?

Marvin Harris’ book, "La Cultura Norteamericana Contemporánea," has garnered a range of reactions from readers. Some praised the book, commending its insightful analysis of American culture and its comprehensive exploration of different facets of American society. These readers found Harris' examination of topics like the impact of technology and consumerism to be thought-provoking and enlightening. They believed that the book offered valuable insights into American society and its global influence.

On the other hand, some readers expressed disappointment, perceiving the book as outdated and lacking in depth. They felt that Harris relied too heavily on generalizations and stereotypes, failing to provide a nuanced understanding of American culture. These readers craved a more intricate portrayal of American society, believing that the book fell short in capturing its complexities.

Additionally, there were readers who found the book overly academic and challenging to comprehend. They criticized the dense writing style and lamented the lack of accessibility for a broader readership. Some also voiced concerns about the book's organization, noting that it jumped between topics without a clear structure.

Notwithstanding these mixed reviews, many readers agreed that "La Cultura Norteamericana Contemporánea" offered valuable insights into American culture. While some lauded its comprehensive coverage of various aspects of American society, others found it lacking in depth and outdated. Ultimately, readers' opinions of the book appeared to be influenced by their expectations and prior knowledge of the subject matter.