Introduction
“They and We: Racial and Ethnic Relations in the United States” is a book that delves into the reality of ethnic diversity and racial discrimination in America. Peter I. Rose explored some of the pivotal issues surrounding ethnic relations in chapters 4, 5, and 6, titled “Dilemmas of Diversity”, “Nature of Prejudice,” and “Patterns of Discrimination”. This discussion aims to delve into these chapters, unpacking the dilemmas posed by diversity, dissecting prejudice nature, and analyzing the typical patterns of discrimination.
Dilemmas of Diversity
The coexistence of diverse communities in a single society frequently creates certain paradoxes. In Chapter 4, Rose (1997) examines these paradoxes, highlighting the complexity of the issue of ethnic diversity in the United States. In particular, he focuses on the cultural clashes, identity crises, and social tensions that arise as a result of the current level of diversity in the US (Rose, 1997). The chapter also examines the ways in which individuals living in a heterogeneous society struggle with their sense of belonging.
One of the issues that Rose (1997) points out is that the immigrant groups coming to America were treated differently. He emphasizes that historically, even though America has been an immigrant country comprised of diverse ethnic groups, the programs and policies were not consistently applied to people of color (Rose, 1997). In general, race has not played a significant role in integration policies.
Nature of Prejudice
Bias and discrimination are rooted in specific psychological and sociological factors. In the chapter “Nature of Prejudice Rose (1997) analyzes these factors and the dimensions of prejudice. Rose (1997) explores the manifestations of bias and stereotypes in individuals and society as a whole.
One of the concepts central to prejudice that Rose (1997) explores is American ethnocentrism, that is, the tendency to view one ethnicity and culture as superior. He states, however, that “American ethnocentricity, although manifest in general attitudes toward others, is, of course, tempered somewhat by the very heterogeneity of the population that we have been examining” (Rose, 1997, 115). Therefore, the heterogeneity of America is a force that drives Americans to expand their understanding of identity and navigate various cultures and perspectives.
Patterns of Discrimination
Racial discrimination is built based on a variety of structural and systemic factors. These factors are the patterns that Rose (1997) examines in the chapter “Patterns of Discrimination”. Unequal access to resources and opportunities and inequality in the system of justice are some of the common discrimination patterns present in the system. Rose (1997) also mentions that “patterns of discrimination may be de jure, grounded in law, or de facto, that is, part of a tradition or custom” (143). The status quo is beneficial for those who are in an advantaged position and who are not affected by the discrimination patterns. Therefore, they do not desire to change it. This perpetuates these patterns and makes them permeate all the spheres of society.
Conclusion
The chapters “Dilemmas of Diversity,” “Nature of Prejudice,” and “Patterns of Discrimination” offer insights into the biases and challenges that racial and ethnic minorities face in daily life. They discuss the unequal treatment of the minorities that comprise America’s heterogeneous society and explain the roots and manifestations of prejudice and discrimination. Understanding the reality of these issues is essential when finding and fixing faults in the system.
References
Rose, P. I. (1997). They and we: Racial and ethnic relations in the United States. McGraw-Hill.