Race and Racism: An Introduction

In her newest book, anthropologist Carolyn Fluehr-Lobban examines the foundations of race in American society. She demonstrates how race and racism are not openly confronted or challenged in American communities or educational settings. Many families still live in segregated communities, especially ethnic sub-communities, and attend largely segregated public and private schools. The author offers a simple and accessible explanation of the biology of race and a cross-cultural perspective on the social context of race, color-coding, ethnicity, and ethnocentrism. There are few places in the world where race is not a factor in society and politics, but the author finds abundant evidence that is a dynamic and pliable concept, as seen in the overturning of the slave system in Haiti, or the American civil rights movement. Fluehr-Lobban's book is a fascinating and thoughtful assessment of the nature of race and racism. Her book will be of value to readers and instructors in anthropology, sociology, education, and ethnic studies.