Introduction: Race and Ethnicity
Keywords:
race, ethnicity, social hierarchy, transnationalism, postmodern race relationsAbstract
This article analyzes the complex interplay between race and ethnicity in American society, both historically and contemporarily. The paper explores how these concepts have evolved from biological categorizations to socially constructed hierarchies, particularly focusing on the binary of 'white' and 'black' in the United States. The author contends that while scientific understanding has discredited racist ideologies, social distinctions based on ancestry or descent persist. This study examines the multifaceted nature of American ethnicity, highlighting its dynamic and changing role compared to the seemingly unchanging impact of race. The article demonstrates the significance of these concepts through various case studies, including Native American assimilation, Asian American stereotypes, transnational abolitionist movements, Cold War foreign relations, and postmodern racial tensions depicted in film. These examples illustrate the enduring relevance of race and ethnicity in shaping social structures and individual identities.
(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)
References
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