In Search of Respect Selling Crack in El Barrio

by Phillippe Bourgois
Meeting Date:  May 1, 2009
Hostess:  Barb

Discussion:  Although we were a small group for this meeting (only 5) we had a very animated debate that went beyond the book to poverty, racism, religious freedoms and ethical marginalization and issues of accommodation, tolerance and acceptance.  For the most part we all enjoyed the book - particularly the conversations more so than the structural analysis and theoretical arguments of the author.  Most also agreed that they would recommend the book but would be sure to inform other of the non-fiction/textbook format of the book.  There was a consensus on the favourite personalities of Primo and Candy although some struggled with Candy's inability to make a better life for herself and her kids, all the while claiming that family was so very important to her.  We likened Candy's struggle to Maureen's difficulties in our last book "The Hour I First Believed" where all of us wanted so much for Maureen to succeed; in the face of all the positive influences and forces at work in Maureen's life, she was unable to overcome her drug addiction.  Did Candy - with virtually no positive, protective factors in place - really have much of a chance?  It was an interesting analogy.  Caesar was the least liked, and yet still somewhat sympathetic personality.

Ratings:
Lynne ..........7.5
Barb .............7.5
Kellie ...........7.5
Stacey ...........6
?? ...................6  (sorry ... I can't remember who the last person at this meeting was)
Overall:  6.9