Juan Flores: The Diaspora Strikes Back (2009)

In The Diaspora Strikes Back, ethnic- and cultural-studies scholar Juan Flores tackles the ongoing Puerto Rican and Caribbean diaspora process and how the experiences people have while living in the United States or abroad change and influence them. Flores also looks into the impact on their relationship with their home country, especially when they go back. He also touches on how those in the diaspora help alter the culture of the home country itself. An example is how Nuyoricans have transformed Puerto Rico, introducing hip-hop and modern New York culture to the island. This is applicable to many other diaspora groups as well such as New York Dominicans bringing New York culture back to the Dominican Republic. This ongoing process is significant, global, and constantly evolving.

In a February 26, 2009 conversation at Centro (Hunter College, CUNY) led by scholar Arcadio Díaz Quiñones, Flores, an NYU professor, explained that at the heart of The Diaspora Strikes Back are the experiences of people who identify with a home country (whether they lived there or not) and return home and find something else, something different. Also, the people of the diaspora may feel alienated when they go back because the locals see them as different, creating a complicated and sometimes confusing relationship with the home culture.

For more information on the book visit Routledge’s website at: http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415952613/