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

(Hardback)

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Discussing one of America's most divisive social issues, race, Dominic J. Pulera offers a roadmap to the future. This analysis includes detailed coverage of America's five "racial" groups: whites, blacks, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and American Indians. The author contends that race will matter to Americans during the 21st 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 America's 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.

Reviews

"An illuminating journey through America's social mind and body politic. Everything you ever wanted to know about race, ethnicity, and related delicate matters, but were afraid to ask -- lest you might offend someone. Pulera's inexorable march through America's racial underbelly points to the inescapable conclusion that race does matter, and will continue to so well into the future." -- Nabeel Abraham, co-editor, Arab Detroit: From Margin to Mainstream
"Dominic Pulera, a rare self-trained scholar, proves his salt in Visible Differences. Engaging anecdotes open each of the complex and nuanced chapters of this extraordinary book.. Pulera clearly adopts a social justice stance, but unlike many works on the dicey subject of race, he lays out multiple perspectives well and then fearlessly sets them beside one another. His clear prose masks the exquisitely detailed depth and thorough scholarly treatment. Scholars may enjoy the endnotes as much as the text. Readers new to the subject find a treasure trove of insight and information on each page. For example, he successfully explains the arcane processes involved in the census and makes clear why they matter for race relations in the U.S. He similarly unpacks the court cases that set precedence for today's conditions. Uncommon in breadth of coverage, the range of his sources cutting across academic fields and drawing from a host of news accounts, think tank reports, site visits, and interviews makes Visible Differences a must read. Masterful. A new public intellectual enters the arena of race. His ideas should become part of the national conversation on race." --Georgia Duerst-Lahti, Beloit College
"In this well-written and well-structured work, independent scholar Pulera offers firsthand observations of life in our increasingly ethnically and racially diverse American population. Focusing on five major racial groups (Native Americans, Asians, Hispanics, blacks, and whites) but also recognizing others, he discusses the findings of his seven-year field trip throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico to demonstrate why, how, and when race matters....Highly recommended." --Library Journal, May 15, 2002
"A detailed, fascinating look at how Americans will handle future multiculturalism....a timely, well-researched, and well-written explanation of the shifting racial scene and what it may mean for the nation's future." --Booklist
"A thorough, brilliant contribution to the field of ethnic studies for all levels and collections."--Choice, February 2003
"!!!!! Must Read" -- Today's Books/Public News Service, September 16, 2002
"This book is chock full of useful cultural and racial/ethnic paradigms that bring into clear focus the issues of visible differences between U.S. racial groups. It provides an exemplary sociological, racial and cultural ethnographic study of many different groups within the U.S....the author is exemplary in providing a myriad of facts in a pleasant way by telling great ethnic stories about various cultural groups." -Transcultural Psychiatry, 12/04

Author Bio

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