Abstract
This article examines the experience of Portuguese immigrants in Newark, NJ (USA) through the analysis of autobiographical writings. It aims to highlight the heuristic value and social relevance of autobiographical writings by focusing on four Portuguese immigrants in Newark who self-published their life stories. I argue that autobiographical essays serve as a form of self-valued expression in defiance of the stereotypes that associate the Portuguese immigrant with low levels of education and a lack of interest in literature and culture in general. Finally, I underscore the contribution of biographical research in the emancipation of undervalued groups and individuals.
Highlights
This article examines the experience of Portuguese immigrants in Newark, NJ (USA) through the analysis of autobiographical writings
The autobiographical texts of the Portuguese who reside in the American state of New Jersey exemplify a synthesis, or cultural hybrid, that emerges out of a wellestablished and accepted literary genre in that country (Lee)
While my own anthropological understanding of empowerment certainly differs from that employed by these authors, the very act of writing and publishing an autobiography represents here a form of resistance to the negative image associated with illiteracy, poverty, invisibility, and a lack of any kind of power in both private and public spheres
Summary
This article examines the experience of Portuguese immigrants in Newark, NJ (USA) through the analysis of autobiographical writings. My proposed analysis focuses on the autobiographical writings of two Portuguese men and two women in the US whom I contacted during fieldwork throughout the year 2014: José António (Jo) dos Santos, Felicidade Almeida, António José (Tozé) Silva, and Ilda Pinto de Almeida.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
