Ray L. Burdeos

Flips in Philadelphia: Fifties Ray L. Burdeos

Excerpts from book review by Correspondent Judith Farrell: Title of the review: Unique voice adds authenticity to narrative "There is no greater privilege than to become intimate with an author through his or her written expression. This author, Ray Burdeos, takes readers back to the day when complexion divided people rather than religious beliefs. Specifically this memoir highlights in 1955 when Burdeos first came to the United States from the Philippine islands to serve in the Coast Guard... Ethnicity challenged Burdeos. In 1955, many respectable people used 'the N word' to slur African-American. At school, teachers enlightened students about bigotry. One view was habitual, the other nascent... While African-Americans fought for civil rights, Filipinos watched expectantly. Gains by blacks became gains for all minorities... In one episode, when Burdeos was stationed at Gloucester City and was visiting his girlfriend in Philly, a police officer approached him, took him into the precinct and interrogated him; later the officer confirmed that the station had received a complaint from someone who didn't like the looks of a dark man visiting his white girl; most likely the report came from a neighbor. Naturally, the officer released Burdeos - had he committed the crime miscegenation?... Burdeos's unique voice, including his vernacular, adds authenticity to his narrative. His point is not the least bit harsh, but instead is steady and determined... It was a privilege to read this story. The measure of a good dialogue is when a reader comes away feeling better after having shared it - I did."