Postethnic America
Subtitle: beyond multiculturalism
By: David A. Hollinger.
Publisher: BasicBooks
Published: 1995
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 210
Subjects: Pluralism (Social sciences) -- United States; Multiculturalism -- United States; United States -- Race relations; United States -- Ethnic relations
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.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.