Speaking of diversity

About this book

"In recent years U.S. social history has taken dramatic strides in studies of race, gender, and ethnicity. Among historians of American ethnic groups, Philip Gleason has played a leading role in that development. His essays analyzing the terms of public and scholarly discourse--mapping the changing conceptions of American identity during the past half century--make a distinctive contribution to intellectual history." "Speaking of Diversity collects eleven of Gleason's seminal essays, each of them examining twentieth-century American thought on ethnic and religious diversity. Part 1 focuses specifically on linguistic and conceptual analysis, treating terms such as melting-pot, pluralism, identity, and minority. Part 2 explores the impact of World War II on American thinking about diversity, tolerance, and intergroup relations. Part 3 consists of essays on religion, all closely tied to themes in earlier essays. Together, they form a model of methodological and thematic unity. The essays also clear the ground as Americans continue their efforts to realize the stated goals of tolerance, diversity, and order."--Jacket.