Postethnic America
Beyond Multiculturalism
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- $15.99
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- $15.99
Publisher Description
Sympathetic with the new ethnic consciousness, Hollinger argues that the conventional liberal toleration of all established ethnic groups no longer works because it leaves unchallenged the prevailing imbalance of power. Yet the multiculturalist alternative does nothing to stop the fragmenting of American society into competing ethnic enclaves, each concerned primarily with its own well-being. Hollinger argues instead for a new cosmopolitanism, an appreciation of multiple identities -- new cross-cultural affiliations based not on the biologically given but on consent, on the right to emphasize or diminish the significance of one's ethnoracial affiliation. Postethnic America is a bracing reminder of America's universalist promise as a haven for all peoples. While recognizing the Eurocentric narrowness of that older universalism, Hollinger makes a stirring call for a new nationalism. He urges that a democratic nation-state like ours must help bridge the gap between our common fellowship as human beings and the great variety of ethnic and racial groups represented within the United States.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Defenders of cultural diversity must move beyond multiculturalism, avows UC Berkeley historian Hollinger in this thoughtful, challenging but mainly theoretical essay. He posits a ``postethnic'' perspective that emphasizes civic nationalism and builds on the strain of multiculturalism that favors voluntary affiliations over fixed identities. He tartly critiques the assumptions in the ``ethno-racial pentagon''--the five ethnic categories provided on most official forms--arguing that they are no proxy for diverse cultures and histories. Hollinger fears that some multiculturalists too easily disparage nationalist ``cultural adhesives'' such as E.D. Hirsch's ``cultural literacy'' project and suggests that common ground is needed to heal our nation. Thus he warns that if we don't ameliorate poverty, we will foster ``ethno-racial particularism.'' Still, he could have said more about how his ideas might play out in such applications as educational policy.
