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

Race. The mere mention of the "R-word" is a surefire conversation-stopper. In this book about America's most divisive social issue, Dominic J. Pulera offers a compelling roadmap to its future. His analysis includes detailed coverage of America's five "racial" groups: whites, blacks, Hispanics, Asian Americans and Native Americans. 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 non-whites 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.