They Called Them Greasers

They Called Them Greasers examines Anglo-Mexican race relations in Texas from 1821-1900. De León analyzes historical documents, newspapers, and firsthand accounts to document prejudices and violence against Mexican Americans during this period. The book focuses on the attitudes and actions of Anglo settlers who moved into Texas territories. De León presents evidence of systematic discrimination and the development of negative ethnic stereotypes through primary sources from the era. Through eight chapters, the work covers social dynamics, economic relationships, and racial ideology in nineteenth-century Texas. The research draws from court records, personal correspondence, and period literature to build its historical argument. The text serves as a critical study of how racial prejudice shaped the development of Texas society and continues to influence Mexican-American experiences. De León's analysis reveals patterns of dehumanization and othering that would impact generations of ethnic relations in the American Southwest.

Readers value De León's thorough research and documentation of racial violence against Mexican Americans in Texas from 1910-1960. Many note the book reveals uncomfortable historical truths often omitted from Texas history books. Readers appreciate: - Extensive use of primary sources and newspaper archives - Clear examples showing systematic discrimination - Documentation of specific hate crimes and violence - Analysis of Anglo attitudes and racial stereotypes Common critiques: - Dense academic writing style - Some sections feel repetitive - Limited focus on Mexican American resistance/response - Narrow geographic scope (primarily Texas) Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (52 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (12 ratings) Sample review: "This book opened my eyes to a dark chapter of Texas history that needs to be acknowledged. The research is solid but the writing can be dry at times." - Goodreads reviewer "Important but difficult read. The academic tone makes it less accessible than it could be." - Amazon reviewer

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🔹 Author Arnoldo De León pioneered the study of Mexican American history in Texas, becoming one of the first scholars to extensively document Anglo-Mexican relations in the state during the 19th century. 🔹 The book's title comes from a derogatory term used by Anglo settlers to describe Tejanos, highlighting the racial prejudice that was deeply embedded in Texas society during the period following the Texas Revolution. 🔹 The research draws heavily from previously overlooked sources including personal letters, newspapers, and diaries from 1821-1900, revealing candid expressions of Anglo attitudes that weren't typically found in official documents. 🔹 De León's work was groundbreaking in demonstrating how racial prejudice against Mexican Americans in Texas was not just social but also systematically enforced through legal and economic discrimination. 🔹 The book reveals that many Anglo Texans justified their treatment of Mexican Americans by portraying them as "racially inferior" and "uncivilized" - stereotypes that persisted well into the 20th century and influenced public policy.