|
 |
|
 |
Chapter 10: Race and Ethnicity |
Cultural diversity is a reality in almost every modern nation,
including the United States. This diversity reflects the fact
that most Americans are descended from immigrants. The French,
Dutch, and British founded colonies in the United States, and
people from Africa were enslaved and brought here. What's more,
waves of immigrants from countries around the world have sought
to live in the United States. The creation of various minority
groups as a result of immigration has heightened the awareness
of the concepts of race and ethnicity in our society. Race is
based on the perception of physical differences, while ethnicity
is based on the perception of cultural differences—a distinction
with which many people are unfamiliar.
Various patterns of conflict and domination have occurred
as different societies throughout history have come into contact.
Colonialism, the displacement of native peoples, slavery,
segregation, prejudice, and discrimination reflect this negative
pattern. Less common but not unheard of is the integration
of a minority group into the majority. In the United States
both segregation and integration have occurred with different
groups. With the racial and ethnic composition of the United
States changing so rapidly, it is important to be aware of
the social history and current situations of minority groups.
This chapter profiles African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans,
Native-Americans, and Asian-Americans.
|
|
|
|
|
