The Rise and Fall of the Panama Canal
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Challenging Racial Segregation in the Panama Canal Zone
The chapter explores the deeply ingrained segregation in the Panama Canal zone, where individuals were categorized into 'gold' and 'silver' classes based on their payroll status, leading to stark disparities in living conditions and privileges. One character named Ada defies racial segregation by entering the 'gold' side, sparking a confrontation that underscores themes of belonging and identity. Discussions also encompass the cultural influences of diverse immigrant populations in shaping post-canal Panama and the environmental impacts of the canal's construction.
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