Alfred L. Cobbs Livres

Cobbs (German, Wayne State U.) takes on the complex multicultural society evolving in modern Germany. The influx of workers from various parts of the world, already a hot topic, became explosive under unification. German identity has been buffeted by new generations of homegrown citizens whose immediate forebears came from other countries or chose to replenish the decimated Jewish community. Cobbs explains how this situation has lead to new means of ascertaining political and social identity, how the immigrants have created a literature that explains themselves to themselves and comments on social issues, how the quest for self and the loss of self work together within the prose of Schami, how far integration and assimilation have gone (all the way to satire, according to the works of Dikmen) and what role the old concept of asylum plays in new films and novels. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

The narrative focuses on Alfred L. Cobbs' personal journey as an African American student affected by the closure of public schools in Prince Edward County due to desegregation resistance. Documenting his challenges during this tumultuous period, Cobbs highlights the crucial support from his family that enabled him to complete high school. His passion for the German language and culture provided him with a sense of purpose, ultimately guiding him to a successful academic career. The book serves as a powerful testament to resilience and the pursuit of education despite adversity.

This study examines the German perception of America in postwar works of prose, drama, and non-fiction. In viewing works by Brecht, Frisch, Koeppen, Weiss, and others, against the traditional utopian picture of America popularized in the nineteenth century, Professor Cobbs shows how a critical image of the USA has evolved in response to America's economic and social structure. Particular emphasis is given to America's postwar role in world power politics.