His Panic: Why Americans Fear Hispanics in the U.S.

by Geraldo Rivera

Drawing on his own parents' experiences, the award-winning journalist addresses the issue of illegal immigration in America from a historical perspective, as well as in terms of the ongoing debate over the political, economic, and social issues involved.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, History, Psychology, Sociology

272 pages, Hardcover

First published February 26, 2008

About the author

Gerald Michael Rivera, known by his television name of Geraldo Rivera or simply Geraldo, is an American Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television journalist, attorney, and former talk show host. Rivera is a Fox News Senior Correspondent and is a rotating co-host on the FOX News Channel's hit program The Five and provides regular reports and commentary on FNC's Fox and Friends, Hannity, and Tucker Carlson. He joined the network in 2001 as a war correspondent following the 9/11 attacks.

Reviews

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not quite sure where to begin with this review. There were some things I liked and agreed with him on, but there were many that I felt I was only getting half the story. I guess let me begin with his writing style. When I read books on such a deep and multi-faceted topic such as immigration policy, I expect it to be somewhat academic. By that I mean that there should be a clear thesis for the overall book, and each chapter should add a piece to support that thesis. Each chapter, in turn, should have some sort of structure to it as well. This was more of a journalistic writing filled with human interest pieces, attention grabbers, and the occasional editorial jab towards the other side of the aisle. Also, it didn't really flow very well. There was no defined structure, just a meandering of thoughts that seemed ADD at times. I also expected the opposite viewpoint to be adequately explained and presented, then thoroughly refuted. That didn't happen either. Geraldo picked at the weakest anti-immigration arguments and just called everyone who didn't see it his way as being racist or just stupid. He also went to great lengths to take unfriendly and distasteful swings at pundits that disagree with him, namely Bill O'reilly, Sean Hannity, and Lou Dobbs.

That brings me to the section of things that I actually agree with Geraldo on. The bulk of the anti-immigration shock jocks that you constantly hear flapping their gums really doesn't know what he or she is talking about. When you hear people get mad about a Texas pizza joint accepting pesos as well as dollars, you don't hear anyone mention how for decades Canadian and Mexican businesses have been more than happy to take US dollars instead of their local currency just to make it easier for the American to blow his money. When you hear outrage over an illegal immigrant getting into a drunk driving accident, you don't hear about how many legal US-born citizens do that on a regular basis. And, as Geraldo pointed out, there are just some arguments that these pundits present as truth that the facts and data just do not support, like the alleged increase in crime or the drain on our social services (except schools and hospitals). Most of the public opponents to immigration are monolingual curmudgeons who are just resistant to change. As Geraldo adequately points out, nobody was this upset about Polish, Italian, or other European immigrants setting up communities. It's just the Latinos that are getting flamed.

Now for the things I really disagree with. Geraldo fails to present the legitimate anti-immigration arguments. The most prevalent one that comes to mind is illicit trafficking. Illegal drugs cross the border every day and, as the Mexicans allege, illegal weapons flow in the opposite direction which exasperate the organized crime problems south of the border. Whether you agree or disagree that drugs should be legal/illegal or if it should be something the government focuses on, the fact is that for the past 20+ years since Reagan declared his "war on drugs", this has been one of the top priorities for law enforcement entities at all levels. This essentially has been a three-pronged attack: catch and stop the use of drugs within the US, stop the flow of drugs as it tries to enter the country, and try to eliminate the drug flow at its origin before it begins transit. Being able to effectively control what enters and exits our country is an important aspect of this war on drugs. Will we ever be able to entirely stop the flow of drugs? No, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try.

Geraldo boasts about the many contributions that Hispanic-Americans provide to our society. That is true, but there are some negatives that he really fails to touch on. First, it is true that illegal immigrants from the south are taking American jobs, but only the low skilled and low wage jobs. Basically, only high school dropouts are seriously at risk of losing their jobs to immigrants. That being said, there are only so many jobs that can be offered at out minimum wage rate. While there are many hard working Hispanic immigrants that work 14 hour days every day doing manual labor jobs, there are only so many openings. If we open the border and let everyone flow in, there will come a point where the immigrant communities will be just as poor and unemployed as they were back in their home countries.

Now, there are many types of skilled jobs that Americans just can't fill. A few years ago Bill Gates announced that he had to outsource so many technical computer jobs overseas because there simply weren't enough Americans with the skillsets to do the job, regardless of wage. The truth is that there are millions of non-hispanics eagerly waiting to legally enter this country and make just as much of a positive contribution to society, but are denied because there are too many immigrants already here. Geraldo stresses the human interest side of separating families or deporting innocent factory workers. He completely ignores the fact that they completely bypassed our legal system to get into this country, but he thinks it's OK because they pick our grapes for us. I have no problem with legal immigrants who go through the process and obtain work visas just like people from overseas. But it's not fair to the non-hispanics who are separated from their families just as much but don't have the luxury of a desert to cross.

I would also like to see Geraldo do a human interest story on the Guatemalan immigrants into Mexico. The way Mexican authorities treat Guatemalans would make Abu Ghraib look like a chuck-e-cheese party. All his railing on the Minutemen and the ICE and the horrible atrocities they commit for enforcing our laws really pale in comparison to the stories of rape and murder that are commonplace for illegal immigrants in Mexico. That fact seemed to elude Geraldo's book.

Finally, while I agree with his premise that many immigrants just want to come here to make a living, I disagree with his ultimate amnesty decision. Other US presidents have tried that, as well as other countries with immigration problems, and it never works. all it does is increase the amount of illegal immigrants hoping to cash in on that amnesty. Think about it, if George W said "OK Congress, in 90 days I will give amnesty if you don't come up with a solution", which is exactly what Geraldo spells out in his final chapter, how many thousands of immigrants will flood the border hoping they get caught in that wave?

My solution is to relax the legal immigration policy to let more workers in, but still cap the amount of total immigrants. That way people who are legitimate and honest would not have to resort to crossing the Arizona desert and will wait their turn to legally enter. At the same time, we need to increase security at the border to better regulate what (and who) crosses. However, the American public needs to understand that a border fence won't solve our problem 100%. If 2 concrete walls, barbed wire, and snipers failed to keep Germans from crossing from one side of Berlin to the other, A little chain link fence and some video cameras will only go so far. While no security measure will ever make our borders 100% secure, filtering out the number of illegal crossers who just want to find legitimate work will increase the probability of catching those who are up to no good, like drugs and arms traffickers.

Overall, this was a decent book. Just keep in mind that, like most politically charged books out there, this only gives one side of the story. Nevertheless, it still points out a very troubling trend in the uninformed rhetoric of our political pundits.

[Daryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never been a huge fan of Geraldo Rivera but this book provides a needed voice in the battle over immigration reform and the current and sickening trend of anti-hispanic sentiments that seem to be sweeping our nation.

Rivera examines these timely issues that plague the U. S. and our views toward the hispanic population, legal and otherwise. Some fear we will lose our cultural identity and others are horrified by the thought that we might acquire (gasp!) a second language. Venom-filled opponents of any accomodation of immigrants to speak a language other than English in this country, is based, in my opinion, on the fear of the unknown. Their embarrassingly overstated "patriotism" and demands for English only are addressed in this book as are other nonsensical fears or misconceptions that people place on the hispanic community as a whole. Rivera focuses on the preconceived notions that many Anglo-Americans have concerning immigrants and disease, crime and education. He also weighs in on the hispanic gangs that plague places such as East L. A. and the negative effects that these groups and their actions have on the entire hispanic population. He doesn't water down the negativity of these gangs and the unfortunate stereotype they perpetuate among the nonviolent and peaceful members of their own ethnic group. Also he probes the constant complaints of immigrants taking "our" jobs. This ridiculous and mean spirited argument is nothing more than an attempt by the rightwing to spread anger and panic over an issue that holds no water. The jobs that many of these illegals hold are positions that Americans wouldn't even consider but are necessary to many big industries in the economy such as hotels, food service and construction. Removing these workers from these jobs would be devastating to our economy and Rivera makes a worthy argument on this subject. And like most hispanics, Rivera, has no problem with criminals being deported. That is not what this book is about. The problem is the resentment and vehement attitudes toward the hispanic community in general, illegal or not.

Opponents of any immigration reform allowing for the pardon of undocumented aliens in the U. S. will immediately been turned off by this book. But, then again, the likes of Lou Dobbs, Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh and Ann Colter, to name a few, will never approve of a nation of people who are not white, republican, straight---preferring to support a government led by rich white men who have no concept of the issues facing people of color (or anyone different than themselves) in this country. People of this ilk will never accept people who come to this country, especially illegals, desiring only to live the life we have come to take for granted and known around the world as the American dream. Instead of a willingness to share that hope, many people in our nation allow fear and hatred to blind them to the fact that many of these immigrants are good, hard working people. They only want the same things we have--to enjoy a good life, earn a living, feed their families and have a nice home to live in. I am afraid so many Americans are consumed with what we want and how much more we can get, that we often overlook the most important things in life....and we forget to help those who are less fortunate than us, especially in this hemisphere---specifically in Central and South America.

For the record, I am not hispanic. I am a white man who simply believes in the rights of others and I have grown tired of seeing hispanics mistreated for no reason other than blatent racism and the fear bred by rightwing radicals, white supremists and other hate-based groups who are a outright shame to this great nation. I recommend this book to all who have an open mind and who believe that we all deserve a right to live in this country. A recent bumper stick I saw sums it up best, "Ningun ser humano es ilegal". No human being is illegal.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how he really did his research with this one! He not only included his background of being half PR, but he included all other hispanic groups. His outlook on how latins have grown & very much a part of this culture, this melting pot is just wonderful. Latins have proven themselves in society; we've become teachers, mentors, actors, government officials, policemen, social workers, nurses, doctors, you name it, we are there! I am glad that someone is standing up for latins everywhere! many hispanics join the armed forces and have served this country with the love and respect but do not receive the same in return....

Thanks Geraldo Rivera for always speaking from your heart & using your head!

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

A disappointing result of mixing a depth of experience and data with too much bitter emotion. His valid points were often overshadowed by off topic stories or pointed slams of those on the other side of the issue.

[Steve Ryan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Geraldo you keep wanting to be praised for your 50 years in the media. The media is nothing but fake news. How long have you been a part of that fake news? Congratulations! Quit trying to bring attention to yourself. Or country is falling apart, and as always, you seem to be in left field! I listen to you see a video for 15 seconds and you're able to tell us the whole outcome of the crime. If it was only that simple our justice system would be so Swift. You are ridiculous. You are bad for this movement of culture. You don't rely on facts anymore just a split-second of video to determine your facts. Very deadly.

[Silvana ordaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Panic es un libro que intenta descifrar las razones de los contradictorios sentimientos de los estadounidenses en contra de la población hispana en Estados Unidos.
Desde su nombre, “His Panic”, el título alude a un juego de palabras que se podría traducir literalmente en español como “Su miedo”, “Su terror”, y al mismo tiempo “Hispanic” por su traducción “Hispano”.

Escribir sobre migración ilegal en Estados Unidos es un verdadero reto. Hay pocos temas tan polémicos como el de la migración en un país tradicionalmente abierto a la llegada de personas de todo el mundo, pero hablar de migración hispana en Estados Unidos es doblemente polémico, de ahí el valor de este libro.

[Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every person living in America needs to read this book.

[1.1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rivera passionately argues his point with a lot of solid information and logical arguments, clearly he did his research. However, he never plays devil's advocate (which gives anybody disagreeing with him a great way to undermine him as being dishonest) and his admiration of conservative Republicanism makes the whole thing kind of tragic and ludicrous to me because their attitudes won't change (see: Candidate Donald Trump, a man who should be sent a copy of this book to temper his ideas) very quickly or at all, and definitely not at the behest of a guy named 'Geraldo'.

Rivera doesn't look out of comfortable America very often, and as a result (despite a section on Latin America that actually has decent insights and interesting historical facts) much of his discussion of the outside world is tinged with the America vs. Evil narrative that it makes it difficult for me to take Rivera seriously – he admits that he is friends with 'Ollie North' and 'despite the whole Contra thing' still admires him.

In other sections I admire Rivera's restraint as he discusses the pundits who produce the talking-points, such as Lou Dobbs, Hannity, O'Reilly - and he never once stoops to their level of fractious discourse. His somewhat respectful relationship with one of them does bring up the old adage about show business. These commentators were most popular in the dismal post-9/11 years when shoring up borders made more sense (even though the terrorist threat entered legally, and not from the Mexican/US border). At one point Rivera admits to replying to hate email and telling someone in gratuitous terms what to do and why, and I thought this admission to a futile act rather humanizing. Rivera also stated that he sometimes hates politicians, which is extremely relatable.

But, then, Rivera is a celebrity journalist first and foremost, and others have definitely done a better job of what he attempts to do in this book. He can't afford to oppose mainstream ideas too strongly or will be branded an extremist. He's too engaged in culpable systems to have the freedom or perspective he needs, as a result the book kind of restates its point with added facts much of the time. Ultimately this book is an admirable, if off-kilter, attempt at moderating the hateful trends of xenophobia and racism. Therefore I would recommend it, but all the people who should read this have their ideas and won't surrender them so easily, so what's the point? Poor Rivera... he did not give up.

[Tatiana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah. After hearing his comments on the Trayvon Martin shooting, my vague feelings of unease about Rivera came back and, not being able to remember their root, I found this book on my shelf where I stashed it after my mom gave it to me. I would say it probably gave me more insight into those comments and Rivera himself than into the illegal immigrant debate, but I quit after reading this:
"I am just rueful that over the years when confronted by both challenge and opportunity, men like the mayor and i have seemed prone to living the stereotype of the latin lover"

This book confuses me on multiple levels. I would expect a book by s journalist on such an inflammatory and divisive issue to be... professional? There are no references, no clearly outlined chapters and arguments. There is a lot of self-congratulation, name-dropping (my dear dear friend so-and-so), "I'll get to that/talk more about that later" meandering anecdotal writing. Words like "loser" and "commie". Multiple examples of internet-comment-board-style, overtly racist, poorly written emails he has received (really why is that necessary?) Multiple minor sentences and observations that just didn't make sense. And for at least for the first half that I got through his argument with O'Reilly (that I assume he's going to retell in detail) is hyped like a prize fight.

I'm quite sure I can find a more thorough, better text to read somewhere else.

[Msgold · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book because my husband read it and said it was great. While I agree it was interesting, I don't really like the title, because I am American and I don't fear hispanics in the U.S. Also, since many Americans are also hispanic, it doesn't make sense to say people would be scared of themselves.

Anyway, in this book, TV journalist Geraldo Rivera explores the diverse history of Hispanics in the US, from long ago, up until today. His expands his reporting a bit to also discuss immigration from other countries in the Western Hemisphere, namely Haiti, Jamaica, and Brazil. He tells the story of his own family background, and talks about different Spanish speaking lands, and their histories, and people from those places in the US. He also discusses the role of the media in framing the national discussion on immigration issues. He covers a lot of different topics, and time periods, from Argentina, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico, El Salvador and more. He talks about communities in Miami, NYC, Texas, California, and other places in the USA.
You may or may not agree with every opinion he has about everything, but he did a great job reporting many important facts.
This book was very long, but it would be interesting to anyone who is interested in the topics of immigration, education, or languages in the US today.

[Lateef · Rating 1 out of 5]

He's pushing an agenda...and using this book as a platform to stick it to right wing conservatives and most obviously Bill O' Reilly. Grow up both of you!

I had high hopes for the book, (Judging it by its Cover!) and the celebrity that is Geraldo Rivera. But, I struggled to get through the first chapter...it's so poorly written that I had to stop reading. The book seems to be more of a form of redemption for the author...he makes sure to teach the reader about why he is who he is...if I knew this would be written like an auto-biography I wouldn't have checked it out - as I don't have enough interest in the author. I was expecting an evaluation of the influx of immigrants into the USA and the issues surrounding the latin american experience in america.

I'm reading this instead at the moment and so far the first chapter is great: [a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/2677305..., Bastards, Orphans, and Vagabonds: Mexican Immigration and the Future of Race in America"[/a]

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hispanic is just a word but according to Geraldo it is almost a cuss word. I am really amazed that Mr. Rivera could write such a one sided view of how Americans view illegal aliens um I mean undocumented workers.

I taught English as a second language and feel pretty liberal about the immigration policies. My grandfather came to this county from Austria legally with a sponsor, he learned English and had a good job during the depression. Geraldo states that the illegals only take jobs that no one wants, tell that to my brother who lost his roofing business because the IA were under pricing his bids.

GR proposes that Pres. Bush should grant amnesty to the 12 million IA who are here illegally. What a great idea and at the same time lets give them a free car, house and perhaps a swimming pool.

This is perhaps one of the worst books I have ever read. I think a gothic romance would be better reading material :(

[Bobby White · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this book and read the back page, I knew I had to have it without realizing that Geraldo was the author. I have mixed feelings about Geraldo but after reading this book I have a new respect for the man.

He really brings the issues of Hispanic immigration to the front with real world stories and historical facts. This is a must read and I only wish all Americans would take the time to educate themselves about immigration and its issues.

In the end of the book after having discussed so many facets of illegal immigration, Geraldo even goes one step further and makes a bold request for resolving our current illegal immigration situation, a request to the President of the United States.

[Merrill Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of those feel good books about what Hispanics have done. Geraldo Rivera wrote it and it felt flawed. Interesting part was that Geraldo confessed the opening of the capone safe and nothing in it was his lowpoint. Sounds like he has been dragged or dragged himself into some stupid reporting assignments.

[José · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rivera uses a collection of anecdotes mixed in with a few statistics to make his case against anti-immigration politicians and commentators. It's not a cohesive text and lacks sufficient research to make a potent argument. Nonetheless, it's a start before delving into better books on immigration.

[MsDanaE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay... Geraldo Rivera has a reputation of hilarity for me, and looking at the booksleeve, I laugh out loud at his photo, but I have to tell all that this is an incredible book. He makes so many amazing points about the politics of the American Panic and racism against Latinos in this country.

[Josh Bland · Rating 2 out of 5]

is ok so far. Points out many of the racist comments made by far too many talking heads. begs the question why it seems to be ok to be racist towards hispanic people, and why people seem to be ok with letting it happen.

[Leroy Seat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book not expecting much; I have never seen Geraldo on TV and I somehow had negative ideas about him. But I found this book to be very interesting and informative, well-written and valuable for grasping something of the problem Hispanics face in the U.S.

[Pamela]

Fascinating read on the history of immigration into the U.S., and the facts behind the arguments for and against immigration policies, especially as they affect Hispanics. Let's remember the Spanish were here in North America long before the English!

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would have guessed that a book written 6 years ago could have very well been written today. Sadly, not much has changed in the immigration debate and there is still too much xenophobia from many on the right politically.

[Blue Tansy Dansy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect from Mr.Geraldo but I was pleasently suprized! I learned some interesting & new information.

[raquel romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book breaks a lot of myths regarding illegal immigrants. It actually has statistics that prove that illegal immigrants help are country. Read it before you join the non-illegal band wagon.

[Kathy]

on the list to read

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazingly, this was a well-constructed and thought out book. Mr. Rivera presents a solid general history of the roots of the xenophobioa that Anglos have in reagrds to latinos.

[Tatjana · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's cool that he wrote this book.
It's less cool that his "facts" are really a mix of opinion and fiction not borne out by data collection and analysis.

[Jim Trela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Published in 2007. This book states some of the things we are seeing in today's republican race for nomination

[Laurie Carr · Rating 1 out of 5]

school book.