Reading Discussion Questions

March 21, 2000

1. What differences are discernible on the issues of race and/or ethnicity through time?

2. Which do you think is the more serious concern during wartime for American society, race or ethnicity?  Why?

3. To what extent is the American public exposed to "mixed messages" concerning race and/or ethnicity during wartime?

4. Is there any basis to the allegation that concerns over ethnicity are deliberately intensified during wartime as a means of creating unity?

5. What do the readings tell us about contemporary attitudes and perceptions towards race in America?

6. Why doesn't class become a divisive factor (or indeed is it) during wartime?

7. Overall, is there anything which can legitimately be called wartime unity?  Does real wartime unity ever exist?  Does unity have to be "manufactured" during wartime?

In answering these questions be certain to consider the material from previous weeks, particularly the relevant material from last week.