Comments on A CAPITOL BLOG: Pachangas

Has anyone read this book in planning a political ...

2007-12-30T21:58:00.000-06:00

Has anyone read this book in planning a political campaign in South Texas. I would think the book would be a help. Let me know, I am interested. Sincerely ,Miguel

I teach anthropology at Swarthmore College and hav...

2007-11-02T08:45:00.000-05:00

I teach anthropology at Swarthmore College and have found the book incredibly useful for teaching about South Texas, a place which can seem like another world up here! My family is originally from Texas so I am a bit biased when it comes to talking about Texans.

Dear gritsforbreakfast,

Hello. I hope that ...

2006-04-13T14:31:00.000-05:00

Dear gritsforbreakfast,

Hello. I hope that you take the time to read my book. It provides a fuller explanation of the research process.
There are two issues at play: one, as you put it "getting people to talk;" and another, procuring invitations to the pachangas themselves. Either way, sex certainly plays a role in the research process.
One element is for certain: being a woman opened doors to the "women only" pachangas. I discuss the significance of gender more fully in the book.

Cheers,
Dr. Dorsey

I enjoyed this book immensely. I have lived in th...

2006-04-09T02:33:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed this book immensely. I have lived in the South Texas area my entire life, and have experienced many pachangas but did not know that I was experiencing them. Dorsey's research and observations allowed me to understand those "backyard parties" a little bit better, and perhaps, a better way to identify and socialize with my Hispanic friends. I also enjoyed her review of transnational marketing, the strategies she mentions were extremely benefitial at my current position.

Scott,

On a number of levels she is at a di...

2006-03-04T09:07:00.000-06:00

Scott,

On a number of levels she is at a disadvantage. From an anthropologists point of view, even I as a city boy in the more urbanized area of South Texas, do not as frequently experience the more traditional, mostly Mexican ranching traditions, that can still be viewed in the western regions to the west of the Valley.

As this region becomes more urbanized, more "modern" traditions are influencing the pachanga.

It is good to have her documentation and am glad she wrote the book.

I've heard about pachangas for years but as a grin...

2006-03-04T08:41:00.000-06:00

I've heard about pachangas for years but as a gringo from "up north" (Tyler, then Austin) I've never been to one. Do you think her difficulty getting people to talk as described in the Monitor review was gender-based? Sounds like a male author might have had an easier time researching them. The book looks interesting but my reading list is way backed up.