Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book talks about interrelations between Mexican and US culture. It reviews the importance of learning another language and cultural. The Mexicans have never forgotten that in 1848, after the Mexican-American War, the United States came into possession of slightly over half of their national territory. The book examines Mexico's pre-Hispanic heritage, Spanish conquest and colonization, independence, and the Mexican Revolution of 1910—1920. It explores how its revolutionary past is an indelible part of everyday life in contemporary Mexico. The book shows how the official ruling party, PRI, made Herculean efforts until the year 2000 to keep the memory of the revolution alive through rhetorical practices. It considers few hints regarding how to comprehend the Mexican mind when they come into contact with people from the Other America.