Featuring essays by leading historians; including Carol Berkin; Andrew Heinze; Earl Lewis; and Mai M. Ngai; Race and Ethnicity in America is a timely introduction to the interrelated themes of race; ethnicity; and immigration in American history and a first-stop resource for students and others exploring the historical roots of today's identity politics. Spanning from 1600 to 2000 and covering everything from the Trail of Tears to the Black Power movement; the book is comprehensive both chronologically and in terms of ethnic groups addressed: It examines not only the history of black-white relations in America; but also the experiences of Irish Catholics; Native Americans; Latinos; Jews; and many others. Topics covered include anti-Catholicism and nativism; slavery and abolitionism; Indian removal; assimilation and scientific racism; the National Origins Act; the civil rights movement; and contemporary debates over affirmative action and bilingualism.
#1318468 in Books 2000-05-15 2000-06-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .86 x 6.00l; 1.10 #File Name: 0231108710366 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. An admirable;unbiased;reader-friendly account of CatholicismBy A CustomerChester Gillis has favored us with an engrossing account of one of the world's leading religions with this account of Catholicism; yesterday and today; in America. Using reader-friendly text; suitable for the general public; he delineates the history of American Catholics; their beliefs and practices; over the last four centuries. Yet the account is by no means sterile or dry; instead; the author uses anecdotes; letters; and attributed quotes to give the text an immediacy and relevance which is most refreshing. Gillis covers such disparate topics as the Black Experience in the Catholic Church;Hispanics and their influences; ethnic groups of all kinds; controversies surrounding abortion; homosexuality; women's rights--including ordination; clerical misconduct; academic freedom; etc. In all; he is thorough and insightful. He traces the rise and fall of parish life in metropolitan areas and the state of religious life among vowed and unvowed members of the church. In fact; it is impossible to think of an area he hasn't covered. Photographs; charts; and graphs strengthen the statistical data; notes containing bibliographical material serve for further research or corroboration; a valuable glossary of terms; an impeccable index; and an offering of modern Internet sources will satisfy students or curious readers desirous of more information about specific topics. This book is suitable for Christians and non-Christians alike; for it presents a valuable insight into the lives and beliefs of a people who continue to influence the world and shape the policies of nations.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Better UnderstandingBy K. KrieselI read this to gain a better understanding of my strict Catholic upbringing; Gillis went above and beyond my expectations! Because I can now understand the empty traditions; hostility; and control exerted by the staff; administration and clergy; I'm one step closer to forgiving them.The fact that this was written before Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (who; as recanted in this book; is a destructive slimbebal) became Pope Benedict and before the pedophilic scandals came to their worst point is actually a strength. It's easy to read the book from this point and see how the Catholic church does change drastically over time whether it wants to or not5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A thorough; yet not too academic summary; suitable for all.By A CustomerThis is the kind of book ordinary people will like. It is complete; but not so detailed that the reader would lose the main thought. Mr. Gillis poses questions the "man or woman in the street" has pondered; but never had answered before; and he doesn't try to evade or white-wash problems or controversies. He gives credit to the simple; ordinary people who try to live their lives in accord with the laws of God; in simple faith and in caring service to their neighbors. The book makes me feel good about all the truly good people out there--people who work and struggle to find meaning in their lives. Mr. Gillis has done us all a great favor in showing the difficulties others have gone through; yet still kept trying.
