Visible Differences: Why Race Will Matter to Americans in the Twenty-First Century - Hardcover

Pulera, Dominic J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0826414079 ISBN 13: 9780826414076

Publisher: Continuum, 2002

Synopsis

Race. The mere mention of the R-word is a surefire conversation-stopper. In this book about AmericaÆs most divisive social issue, Dominic J. Pulera offers a compelling roadmap to our future. This accessible and penetrating analysis is the first to include detailed coverage of AmericaÆs five "racial" groups: whites, blacks, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and Native Americans. The author contends that race will matter to Americans during the twenty-first century because of visible differences, and that differences in physical appearance separating the races are the single most important factor shaping intergroup relations, in conjunction with the social, cultural, economic, and political ramifications that accompany them. Pulera shows how, why, when, and where race matters in the United States and who is affected by it. He explains the ongoing demographic transition of America from a predominantly white country to one where nonwhites are increasingly numerous and consequently more visible. The advent of a multiracial consciousness has tremendous implications for AmericaÆs future, because the racial significance of almost every part of the American experience is increasing as a result. The author concludes on a note of cautious optimism as he explores whether the visible differences dividing Americans are reconcilable.

About this title

About the Author

Dominic J. Pulera is the author of Visible Differences: Why Race Will Matter to Americans in the Twenty-First Century

Reviews

Pulera, an independent scholar, takes a detailed, fascinating look at how Americans will handle a future of multiculturalism. Will there be more of the vitriolic conflicts of the past, or will we find ways to compromise on culture and politics? Pulera examines academic works and newspaper articles and recounts visits and interviews with diverse people throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. He begins by examining our multiracial nation and how minority empowerment is currently affecting political and social institutions. Pulera also explores the enduring dilemma of racial inequalities. Finally, he examines the intersection of race and politics, what it will mean for whites as they decline in population but continue to wield considerable economic and political power. Pulera's epilogue considers whether the nation is capable of reconciling its racial differences. Throughout, Pulera looks at how and why we identify ourselves and determine where we will live and work and worship based on those identifications. This is a timely, well-researched, and well-written examination of the shifting racial scene and what it may mean for the nation's future. Vanessa Bush
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Edition details

• Publisher: Continuum
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0826414079
• ISBN 13: 9780826414076
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 416