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July 2, 2020. In JAPA 68/1 (pp. 131-136), my recent book, Psychodynamic Perspectives on Asylum Seekers and the Asylum-Seeking Process (Routledge, ), was reviewed by Steven Botticelli. I very much appreciate having my book reviewed in JAPA and thought the review was, for the most part, very thoughtful and supportive.
However, in reviewing chapter 4, “Central American Women on the Run: Feminicide and Its History,” the reviewer made the following comment: “In the absence of data to support Eisold's implicit contention that such abuse is in fact more prevalent among Central American men than among U.S. men or men generally, this speculation carries an unfortunate (and unintentional) racist tinge” (p. 135).
In fact, contrary to the assertion that I provide no data to support my contention, there are, in the end notes to chapter 4, a number of supportive references (notes 11, 12, and 13). I assume that the reviewer did not read these.
In addition, I would point out that Central American men are not a “race,” but a gender group. Although I may harbor some unconscious prejudices in regard to this gender group, this is quite different from my “speculation” having a “racist tinge.” These days any term reflecting racism has hostile implications, which would not reflect my feelings at all.
Before sending this letter to JAPA I sent it to Dr. Botticelli for his comments. He replied as follows: “Point taken about Central American men and my imputation of racism.” This sentence satisfies my need for him to correct his original assessment. Needing to set the record straight publicly, I am sending this letter.
Barbara Eisold
353 Central Park West
New York, NY10025
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