"Analyzing more than 100 texts produced by what author considers the US establishment, he identifies six paradigmatic changes in the colonialist discourse toward Puerto Rico. The US saw the island first as a 'problem,' then as a 'model,' a 'dilemma,' and a 'challenge.' The relationship reached a 'crisis' point in 1972-84, and seemed to be heading toward 'solution' after 1984 and up to the time of writing. At stake throughout the century has been recognition of a separate Puerto Rican nationality. Author concludes that despite Hegemón's attempts to absorb Puerto Rico into 'sameness,' the island has maintained its 'otherness.'"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 58.

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