A Different Mirror

Why does Takaki find it important to use comparative case studies in his telling of American history? What are some of the advantages of this approach, and what are some of the disadvantages?

Takaki includes several photographs in the book. How do these photographs support his study of multicultural America?

Takaki makes extensive use of primary sources, from government documents to letters, songs, poems, and memoirs. How reliable are these sources, and how do they contribute to Takaki’s historical narrative?

From Takaki’s perspective, what does it mean to be “American”?

How does Takaki distinguish between race and ethnicity in America? Why is this distinction important in regard to the lived experiences of minority groups?

In an author’s note at the end of the book, Takaki writes about his life experiences as a Japanese American. How does his personal narrative contribute to the analytical framing of A Different Mirror?

What are the intersections between race and class in Takaki’s work? Is it possible to separate the two when discussing oppression and conflict in America?

Takaki often includes the narratives and experiences of women in his book and shows their contributions to American society. Does this make his work feminist? If so, why? If not, why not?