Carlos is hyper-aware of wealth inequality and issues of access in the U.S., and is puzzled by his immigrant mother's conservative views, especially since she had to sacrifice so much for her family––and for him. And, a political science professor provides some needed context.

Featured Expert:

Eduardo A. Gamarra is a tenured full professor of political science in the department of politics and international relations at Florida International University. He has been at FIU since 1986 where he also directed the Latin American and Caribbean Center (LACC) from 1994 to 2007. As director of LACC, Gamarra was involved in research and public policy issues, academic exchanges, fund raising, and other multiple activities in most countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. In February 2016 he was appointed founding director of the Latino Public Opinion Forum at the Stephen Green School of International and Public Affairs. Gamarra is the founder of Integrated Communications and Research (ICR), a consulting firm with an active portfolio of public and private sector clients throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. His most recent consulting work has centered primarily on market research and public opinion polling. Much of his polling has been used to develop political campaign strategies and messaging as well as public policy decision making, especially in the security area. Most recently Gamarra’s polling has focused on the Latino vote in the United States.

He has taught courses on a wide range of topics including authoritarianism, democracy, drug trafficking and illicit industries, violence and revolution, human rights, political culture, campaigns and elections among others. During the current academic year, he is teaching graduate and undergraduate seminars on the Caribbean and South America. Learn more about his work here.

 If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Dad Denies Systemic Racism, and A Historical Wound He's Trying to Understand.

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