"An exhilarating mix of unpredictable points of view ... there's real vitality in this anthology's crazy-quilt vision of America. "--Kirkus Reviews Is there such a thing as "American" culture? No, says Ishmael Reed, the editor of this refreshing anthology and a longtime critic of the mainstream media which, he insists, marginalizes non-Anglo, non-Yankee cultures. In this impressive collection of dissenting voices, Reed and other African-Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Americans, Italian-Americans, and Irish-Americans speak out against monoculturalism and provide perspectives from points of view frequently omitted from the discussion of race in the United States. Addressing a broad variety of issues--including assimilation; racial conflicts between minorities and within the gay rights movement; victimization; and stereotyping--these essays by notable writers, teachers, students, and professionals take us far beyond the issues of black vs. white and often veer toward the controversial. Stimulating, unpredictable, and provocative, Multi-America introduces the authentic voices of Rainbow America in all their diverse, angry, proud, celebratory glory. Contributors include: - Miguel Algarin - Amiri Baraka - Ana Castillo - Frank Chin - Earl Ofari Hutchinson - Jack Foley - Robert Elliot Fox - Daniela Gioseffi - Nathan Hare - Juan Felipe Herrera - Helen Barolini - Maulana Karenga - Martin Kilson - Elaine H. Kim - Bharati Mukherjee - Leslie Marmon Silko - Barbara Smith - Werner Sollors - Gerald Vizenor - William Wong