U of M professor to bike 8,500 miles across North America to study attitudes and perceptions of modern immigration
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an interview Minneapolis (06/11/2007)--A University of Minnesota professor is embarking on an 8,500-mile bicycle journey across America to explore Americans' perceptions of the current immigration debate.
From July through December 2007, Louis Mendoza, chair of the University of Minnesota’s department of Chicano studies, will bicycle around the perimeter of the U.S. His journey will cover 34 states, plus Canada and Mexico. Along the way, he plans to talk with people about their views on the emergence of Latinos as the nation’s largest ethnic minority and the impact this is having on the United States national identity and culture. These interviews, capturing the perspectives of urban and rural citizens and recent immigrants alike, will result in a book addressing the hopes and fears, misperceptions and realities of Americans experiencing a changing culture due to immigration.
“I’m not setting out with particular research goals or outcomes,” said Mendoza. “My goal is to listen to people on the street -- in churches, cafes and bars -- to find out what they understand are the issues around the 'Latino-ization' of the U.S.”
Mendoza will begin and end his trip in San Jose, Calif., traveling clockwise around the perimeter of the country with stops in major urban centers and rural towns that have been the beneficiaries of as well as sites of controversy for new immigration. Riding a touring bike, he will carry all of his camping, communications and maintenance gear.
“My hope is that this journey will not be just my story, but the story of the people I encounter and their perceptions of immigration in this country. My goal is to offer much needed insight from voices that aren't often heard in formal media venues,” Mendoza said.
While on the road, Mendoza will blog about his experiences at http://journeyacrossouramerica.blogspot.com/.
He is available for interviews throughout his journey. Contact Patty Mattern at (612) 624-2801.
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