Race and Ethnicity in the United States

Race and ethnicity remain an important part of the national agenda in the United States. The relationships between racial and ethnic groups are not a static phenomenon, and although it is always a part of the social reality, specific aspects change. At that time of the first edition in 1995, the growing presence of Central Americans was duly noted. Today there is growing concern about the degree of acceptance of Arab Americans and Muslims in the United States, and collectively the number of Latinos now exceeds that of African Americans. Specific issues may change over time, but they continue to play out against a backdrop of discrimination that is rooted in the social structure and changing population composition, as influenced by immigration patterns and reproduction patterns. We continue to be reminded about the importance of the social construction of many aspects of racial and ethnic relations. What constitutes a race in terms of identity? What meaning do race and ethnicity have amid the growing number of interracial marriages and marriages across cultural boundaries? Beyond the spectrum of race and ethnicity, we see the socially constructed meaning attached to all religions as members debate who is the "true" keeper of the faith. The very issue of national identity is also a part of the agenda. The public and politicians alike ask, "How many immigrants can we accept?" and "How much should be done to make up for past discrimination?" We are also witnessing the emergence of race, ethnicity, and national identity as global issues. Changes in the Third. Edition As with all previous editions, every line, every source, and every number has been rechecked for its currency. We pride ourselves on providing the most current information possible to document the patterns in intergroup relations both in the United States and abroad. Relevant scholarly findings in a variety of disciplines including economics, anthropology, and communication sciences have been incorporated. The feat ture "Listen to Our Voices" appears in every chapter. These selections include excerpts from the writings or speeches of noted members of racial and ethnic groups such as W. E. B. DuBois and Helen Zia. Their writings will help students appreciate the emotional and the intellectual energies felt by subordinate groups. Those in bold print are new to this edition. Listen to Our Voices Problem of the ColorLine by W.E.B. DuBois (Chapter 1) National Media Should Stop Using Obscene WordsbyTim Giago(Chapter 2) When Work DisappearsbyWilliam Julius Wilson (Chapter 3) Leaving Cubaby Alfredo Jimenez (Chapter 4) When the Boats Arrivedby Diane Glancy (Chapter 5) Gangsters, Gooks, Geishas, and Geeksby Helen Zia (Chapter 6) In addition to four new Listen to Our Voices, the third edition includes the following additions and changes: New key terms such asrasylees(Chapter 4),globalization(Chapter 1),naturalization(Chapter 4),redlining(Chapter 3),social distance(chapter 3), andtransnationals(Chapter 4). Latest data from the census in the text material and illustrated in charts and maps throughout the book. The impact of September 11, 2001, on the Arab- and MuslimAmerican community (Chapter 2). A new section on how corporations attempt to address prejudice through diversity training (Chapter 2). A new section dealing with the global economy and its impact on immigration to the United States (Chapter 4). A separate section on the concept of "White privilege" (Chapter 5). In addition, tables, figures, maps, further readings, relevant journals, political cartoons, and Internet Exercises have been updated. The final chapter highlights other groups that have been tSchaefer, Richard T. is the author of 'Race and Ethnicity in the United States', published 2004 under ISBN 9780131849655 and ISBN 0131849654.