"Every Child is Born a Poet: The Life and Work of Piri Thomas" DVD. Directed by Jonathan Robinson 2005 United States: Customflix.
This documentary chronicles the life of author Piri Thomas. This includes looking at his difficult childhood growing up in New York in the 40's and 50's.
Laviera, Tato. "nuyorican", quoted in Juan Flores, From Bomba to Hip-Hop.(2000):54
In this poem Laviera examines the difficulties with Puerto Rican diaspora after visiting the island and feeling rejected. He concludes after witnessing the paradoxes in Puerto Rico that the paradoxes of being a Nuyorican are just fine.
Santiago, Esmeralda. "The Island of Lost Causes" Boricuas. Edited by Robert Santiago. New York:Vintage Books,1995.
In this essay Santiago examines Puerto Rico's current commonwealth state and how its ambiguity is more of a hindrance rather than a declaration of any autonomy. She discusses the cultural and social problems that exist on the island and contends that choosing status quo is not actually making any choice at all.
Santiago, Esmeralda. "The American Invasion of Macun" Boricuas. Edited by Robert Santiago. New York:Vintage Books,1995.
In this chapter from Santiago's memoir, she recounts American occupation in her rural town. This includes introducing American standards of living, which included what Americans perceived as good nutrition and hygiene. However, when a teacher tries to convince Negi to drink milk she knows is spoils she refuses, and becomes angry about the American present in her town.
Santiago, Esmeralda. "How to Eat a Guava" When I Was Puerto Rican. New York: Vintage Books, 1993.
While in an American grocery store, Santiago notices guavas on sale and reminisces on when she ate guavas as a child. This reflection reminds Santiago of her adult life in the United States. Although tempted by the fruit, she notices their color which compares nothing to the guavas in Puerto Rico, and goes towards the American fruit that have become a part of her American identity.
Sherman, Roger. "Soy Boricua Pa Que Tu Lo Sepas.DVD. Directed by Rosie Perez and Liz Garbus 2006, United States: Independent Film Channel.
In this film, Director Rosie Perez examines the origins of the Puerto Rican Day parade. She also chronicles her own family's journey from Puerto Rico to the United States and evaluates the complexities of Puerto Rico being a commonwealth.
Thomas, Piri. "Babylon for Babylonians" Boricuas. Edited by Robert Santiago. New York:Vintage Books,1995.
In this short story Piri moves from Harlem into a suburb in Long Island. It is here he experiences a life void of Puerto Ricans in which he is discriminated against.
Thomas, Piri. "Konk" Boricuas. Edited by Robert Santiago. New York:Vintage Books,1995.
In this short story, Piri goes to a barbershop to straighten his hair. After the painful process, Piri goes back to his neighborhood and is ridiculed. This causes him to feel an immense shame in his attempt to look more like white boys and he ultimately cuts off his hair.