Our Heroes

Carolina Aguilera's book is a remarkable manifestation of humanity that encourages us to survey unrecognized acomplishments while we reevaluate the heroic deeds which we thought we fully comprehended. With an uncanny ability to rigorously analyze the dynamics of prejudice and discrimation in a sociological context, the writer underscores the true meaning of writing: to effect social change and recognize virtues that must be maintained regardless of the anger we feel. In a writing style that is not self-aggrandizing, the stories enveloped in tragedy and hope become as poignant as they are empowering. The messages become as idealistically inspiring as they are penetratingly real.When the unspeakable events of 9/11 took place, some sectors of our society seemed to forget social injustices that automatically transform Latino officers and firemen into heroes as they combat the subtle and faceless enemey known as prejudice. While discrimation has an identifiable behavioral component, prejudice is a cognitive process that is not always conspicuous in its form. This book makes us realize how devastingly tangible this degrading approach becomes to all those who are forced to experience it. Indeed, they become as psychologically paralyzed and immobile as the innocent victims of any violent act. While the tragic events of 9/11 have catapulted pride in being an American, Ms. Aguilera's book gently reminds me of the pride that is derived in being an American of Hispanic descendancy. Indeed, we must allow oursevles to derive strength from stories of our subjective past to possess objetive insight that prepares us to tackle future challenges as members of the commonwealth of humanity. While this book has galvanized my intellectual attention, Carolina Aguilera has also captured my heart in reminding me how culturally transcendental "carino" should best be applied in times of crises as well as moments of peace and stability.

Carolina Aguilera's book is a remarkable manifestation of humanity that encourages us to survey unheralded acomplishments while we reevaluate the heroic deeds which we thought we fully comprehended. With an uncanny ability to rigorously analyze the dynamics of prejudice and discrimation in a sociological context, the writer underscores the true meaning of writing: to effect social change and recognize virtues that must be maintained regardless of the anger we feel. In a writing style that is not self-aggrandizing, the stories enveloped in tragedy and hope become as poignant as they are empowering. The messages become as idealistically inspiring as they are penetratingly real.When the unspeakable events of 9/11 took place, some sectors of our society seemed to forget social injustices that automatically transform Latino officers and firemen into heroes as they combat the subtle and faceless enemey known as prejudice. While discrimation has an identifiable behavioral component, prejudice is a cognitive process that is not always conspicuous in its form. This book makes us realize how devastatingly tangible this degrading approach becomes to all those who are forced to experience it. Indeed, they become as psychologically paralyzed and immobile as the innocent victims of any violent act. While the tragic events of 9/11 have catapulted pride in being an American, Ms. Aguilera's book gently reminds me of the pride that is derived in being an American of Hispanic descendancy. Indeed, we must allow oursevles to derive strength from stories of our subjective past to possess the objetive insight that prepares us to tackle future challenges as members of the commonwealth of humanity. While this book has galvanized my intellectual attention, Carolina Aguilera has also captured my heart in reminding me how culturally transcendental "carino" should best be applied in times of crises as well as moments of peace and stability.