Estados Unidos: En La Intimidad Y a la Distancia / United States: Up Close and at a Distance

En este libro, Jorge G. Casta eda presenta una revisi n anal tica e intuitiva de su experiencia en el pa s durante el ltimo medio siglo y deja claro por qu los extranjeros pueden ayudar a desentra ar la verdadera naturaleza de Estados Unidos. Basado en su experiencia directa y en un amplio conocimiento de las m s diversas fuentes, Casta eda examina los aspectos fundamentales de la historia y la cultura estadounidense, tanto los luminosos como los problem ticos: el surgimiento de la primera clase media del mundo, la democracia y sus descontentos, el sincretismo cultural, el humor autocr tico, el genio innovador, la hipocres a de sus pol ticas migratorias y antidrogas, la pena de muerte, el racismo, la religi n y el dise o inteligente.

Pensado y escrito originalmente para el p blico estadounidense, este libro ofrece una radiograf a y, a la vez, una pintura de paisaje de Estados Unidos, una obra clave para entender a ese pa s en un momento cr tico de su historia.

Este libro es el resultado de muchos a os de vivir, estudiar, madurar, dar clase y conversar en Estados Unidos. Surge de tratar con las autoridades estadounidenses de gobierno a gobierno, y de sociedad civil a sociedad civil. Durante el ltimo medio siglo, he disfrutado la amistad cercana y duradera de muchos norteamericanos, y he observado con ellos la evoluci n de su pa s en la intimidad y a la distancia.

ENGLISH DESCRIPTION

The second decade of the 21st century ends, and American culture is globally pervasive, as is its political interference. The United States is the world's leading economy, the leading military power, and the leading country in technological innovation. How is it possible that such a relatively young country has become so dominant? Why is the trajectory of the United States so exceptional? Or... is it really?

In this book, Jorge G. Casta eda presents an analytical and intuitive inspection of his experience in the country during the last half century and makes it clear why foreigners can help unravel the true nature of the United States. Based on his direct experience and extensive knowledge of the most diverse sources, Casta eda examines the fundamental aspects of American history and culture, both the luminous and the problematic: the rise of the world's first middle class, democracy and its discontents, cultural syncretism, self-critical humor, innovative genius, the hypocrisy of their immigration and drug policies, the death penalty, racism, religion, and intelligent design.

Originally thought up and written for the American public, this book offers an x-ray vision and, at the same time, a landscape painting of the United States, a key work to understand this country at a critical moment in its history.

"This book is the result of many years of living, studying, maturing, teaching, and conversing in the United States. It arises from dealing with US authorities from government to government, and from civil society to civil society. For the past half century, I have enjoyed the close and lasting friendship of many Americans, and I have watched with them the evolution of their country up close and at a distance."