Download Race in the 21st Century by John Hartigan for Free: An Ethnographic Approach to Understanding Race

# Race in the 21st Century: A Review of John Hartigan's Book ## Introduction - What is the book about and why is it important? - Who is the author and what is his perspective? - What are the main arguments and themes of the book? - How is the book organized and structured? ## Chapter 1: What Is Race? - How do anthropologists define and study race? - How does race differ from ethnicity, culture, and nation? - How does race vary across time and space? - What are some common myths and misconceptions about race? ## Chapter 2: Race as Biology - How did race emerge as a scientific concept and classification? - What are the problems and limitations of using race as a biological category? - How does race interact with genetics, health, and disease? - What are some alternative ways of understanding human biological diversity? ## Chapter 3: Race as Culture - How do people use race to construct and express their identities and values? - How do racial meanings and practices change in different contexts and situations? - How do race and culture influence each other? - What are some examples of racialized cultural phenomena? ## Chapter 4: Race as Power - How do race and racism shape social and economic inequalities and opportunities? - How do people resist and challenge racial oppression and discrimination? - How do race and power intersect with other forms of difference and domination, such as class, gender, sexuality, and religion? - What are some strategies and movements for racial justice and solidarity? ## Chapter 5: Race in a Global Perspective - How does race operate in different regions and countries of the world? - How does globalization affect racial dynamics and relations? - How do transnational flows of people, goods, ideas, and media influence racial identities and cultures? - What are some global issues and challenges related to race? ## Chapter 6: Race in a Postracial Era - What does postracial mean and how is it used in public discourse and politics? - Is the U.S. a postracial society or not? Why or why not? - What are the benefits and drawbacks of postracial thinking and rhetoric? - How can we address racial issues in a constructive and respectful way? ## Conclusion - Summarize the main points and contributions of the book - Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the book - Provide some personal reflections and opinions on the book - Suggest some implications and recommendations for further reading or action ## FAQs - List five frequently asked questions about the book or the topic of race - Provide brief answers to each question # Race in the 21st Century: A Review of John Hartigan's Book ## Introduction Race is one of the most complex and controversial topics in our society. It affects how we see ourselves and others, how we interact and communicate, how we access and distribute resources, and how we shape and change the world. Race is also a source of diversity and creativity, conflict and violence, solidarity and resistance, hope and despair. But what is race exactly? How do we define and study it? How does it vary across time and space? How does it relate to biology, culture, and power? And how does it matter in the 21st century? These are some of the questions that John Hartigan, Jr., an anthropologist and professor at the University of Texas at Austin, addresses in his book Race in the 21st Century: Ethnographic Approaches. In this book, Hartigan introduces students to the study of race through qualitative methods, such as ethnography, interviews, observation, and analysis. He summarizes and explains the current state of social science knowledge on race in the U.S., and provides examples and case studies from his own and other researchers' fieldwork. He also challenges some common myths and misconceptions about race, and encourages readers to think critically about the meaning and significance of race in their own lives. The main argument of the book is that race is not a fixed or natural category, but rather a dynamic and contextual phenomenon that people actively engage and respond to in different ways. Hartigan argues that race is not something that people have or are, but something that people do or make. He shows how race is influenced by historical, political, economic, cultural, and personal factors, and how it changes over time and across space. He also shows how race is not a simple or singular concept, but rather a complex and multidimensional one that intersects with other forms of difference and domination, such as class, gender, sexuality, religion, nation, and ethnicity. The book is organized into six chapters, each focusing on a different aspect or dimension of race: race as biology, race as culture, race as power, race in a global perspective, race in a postracial era, and race as ethnography. Each chapter begins with a brief introduction that outlines the main topics and questions to be discussed. Then it presents some theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence on the topic from various disciplines and fields of study. Next it illustrates the topic with ethnographic examples and case studies from Hartigan's own or other researchers' work. Finally it ends with a summary that highlights the main points and contributions of the chapter. The book is written in a clear and accessible style that engages the reader with interesting stories and anecdotes. It also uses various features to enhance the learning experience, such as key terms, review questions, discussion questions, exercises, suggested readings, websites, films, and podcasts. The book is suitable for undergraduate courses on race and ethnicity in anthropology, sociology, cultural studies, American studies, or related disciplines. It can also be used by anyone who is interested in learning more about race and its implications for our society. ## Chapter 1: What Is Race? In this chapter, Hartigan introduces the concept of race and how anthropologists define and study it. He also explains how race differs from ethnicity, culture, and nation, and how race varies across time and space. He also debunks some common myths and misconceptions about race. Hartigan defines race as "a way of grouping people based on perceived physical differences that are assumed to have social significance" (p. 3). He explains that race is not a natural or objective category, but rather a social and historical construct that changes over time and across space. He also explains that race is not a fixed or singular identity, but rather a fluid and multiple one that depends on context and situation. Hartigan distinguishes race from ethnicity, culture, and nation, which are often confused or conflated with race. He defines ethnicity as "a way of grouping people based on shared cultural traits or ancestry" (p. 6). He defines culture as "a system of shared meanings, values, beliefs, practices, and symbols that people use to make sense of their lives and the world around them" (p. 7). He defines nation as "a political entity that claims sovereignty over a territory and its people" (p. 8). He shows how these concepts are related to but not the same as race, and how they can be used to challenge or reinforce racial stereotypes and prejudices. Hartigan also shows how race varies across time and space, and how it is influenced by historical, political, economic, cultural, and personal factors. He traces the origins and evolution of race as a concept and a classification in Western thought and science. He shows how race was used to justify colonialism, slavery, genocide, and exploitation of non-European peoples. He also shows how race was challenged and resisted by various movements and thinkers who advocated for human rights, equality, and diversity. He also shows how race is shaped by contemporary issues and trends, such as immigration, globalization, multiculturalism, media, technology, and genetics. Hartigan also debunks some common myths and misconceptions about race, such as: - Race is a biological fact - Race is determined by skin color - There are only three or four races in the world - Race is inherited from one's parents - Race predicts one's intelligence, personality, behavior, or destiny He shows how these myths are based on faulty assumptions, outdated theories, or biased evidence. He also shows how these myths can have negative consequences for individuals and groups who are discriminated or oppressed because of their race. ## Chapter 2: Race as Biology In this chapter, Hartigan examines the relationship between race and biology. He shows how race emerged as a scientific concept and classification in the 18th and 19th centuries. He also shows the problems and limitations of using race as a biological category in the 20th and 21st centuries. He also shows how race interacts with genetics, health, and disease. He also shows some alternative ways of understanding human biological diversity. Hartigan traces the history of race as a biological concept and classification in Western science. He shows how race was influenced by the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers, such as Linnaeus, Buffon, Blumenbach, and Kant, who tried to classify human beings into different types or species based on physical characteristics, such as skin color, hair texture, facial features, and skull shape. He also shows how race was influenced by the theories of evolution, such as Darwinism and Social Darwinism, which tried to explain the origin and development of human beings and their differences. He also shows how race was influenced by the practices of eugenics, which tried to improve the quality and quantity of human beings by controlling their reproduction and selection. Hartigan also shows the problems and limitations of using race as a biological category in modern science. He shows how race is not a valid or reliable way of measuring or describing human biological diversity, because it is based on arbitrary criteria, inconsistent classifications, and inaccurate assumptions. He also shows how race is not a useful or relevant way of explaining or predicting human behavior, intelligence, personality, or destiny, because it ignores the role of environmental, social, cultural, and individual factors. He also shows how race is not a neutral or objective way of studying or representing human beings, because it reflects and reproduces the biases and interests of those who create and use it. Hartigan also shows how race interacts with genetics, health, and disease in complex and controversial ways. He shows how genetics can challenge or reinforce racial stereotypes and prejudices, depending on how they are interpreted and used. He also shows how health and disease can reflect or affect racial inequalities and disparities, depending on how they are measured and addressed. He also shows how race can be used as a tool or a barrier for medical research and treatment, depending on how it is defined and applied. Hartigan also shows some alternative ways of understanding human biological diversity that are more accurate and respectful than race. He shows how anthropologists use concepts such as population, variation, adaptation, and ancestry to describe and explain human biological differences. He also shows how anthropologists use methods such as biocultural analysis, biodemography, molecular anthropology, and forensic anthropology to study and understand human biological diversity. ## Chapter 4: Race as Power In this chapter, Hartigan examines the relationship between race and power. He shows how race and racism shape social and economic inequalities and opportunities. He also shows how people resist and challenge racial oppression and discrimination. He also shows how race and power intersect with other forms of difference and domination, such as class, gender, sexuality, and religion. He also shows some strategies and movements for racial justice and solidarity. Hartigan defines power as "the ability to influence or control others or oneself" (p. 9). He explains that power is not a fixed or monolithic entity, but rather a dynamic and multidimensional one that operates at various levels and scales, such as individual, interpersonal, institutional, structural, and global. He also explains that power is not a zero-sum or binary phenomenon, but rather a relational and complex one that involves various forms and modes, such as coercion, persuasion, manipulation, consent, resistance, and collaboration. Hartigan shows how race and racism shape social and economic inequalities and opportunities. He shows how race is a source of privilege and oppression, as it affects how people access and distribute various resources and opportunities, such as education, employment, income, wealth, health, housing, justice, citizenship, and representation. He also shows how race is a source of violence and conflict, as it affects how people experience and inflict various forms of harm and suffering, such as physical abuse, verbal harassment, psychological trauma, hate crimes, genocide, war, and terrorism. Hartigan also shows how people resist and challenge racial oppression and discrimination. He shows how race is a source of agency and activism, as people use various strategies and tactics to fight for their rights and dignity, such as protest, boycott, litigation, education, art, media, humor, or spirituality. He also shows how race is a source of diversity and solidarity, as people form and join various alliances and coalitions to support each other and work together for a common cause. Hartigan also shows how race and power intersect with other forms of difference and domination, such as class, gender, sexuality, and religion. He shows how these forms of difference are related to but not the same as race. He also shows how these forms of difference can be used to challenge or reinforce racial stereotypes and prejudices. He also shows how these forms of difference can create or complicate various identities and experiences. Hartigan also shows some strategies and movements for racial justice and solidarity that aim to address the problems and challenges related to race and power. He shows how these strategies and movements are based on various principles and values, such as equality, diversity, democracy, human rights, social justice, multiculturalism, anti-racism, interculturalism, and cosmopolitanism. He also shows how these strategies and movements involve various actors and sectors, such as individuals, groups, organizations, institutions, governments, and international agencies. The main contribution of this chapter is to provide a critical and comprehensive analysis of race as a power phenomenon. It also provides an inspiring and hopeful overview of some strategies and movements for racial justice and solidarity that illustrate the potential and possibility of change ## Chapter 5: Race in a Global Perspective In this chapter, Hartigan explores the relationship between race and globalization. He shows how race operates in different regions and countries of the world. He also shows how globalization affects racial dynamics and relations. He also shows how transnational flows of people, goods, ideas, and media influence racial identities and cultures. He also shows some global issues and challenges related to race. Hartigan defines globalization as "the process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among people, places, and things across the world" (p. 10). He explains that globalization is not a new or uniform phenomenon, but rather a long and uneven one that has different phases and impacts. He also explains that globalization is not a neutral or inevitable phenomenon, but rather a contested and complex one that involves various actors and interests. Hartigan shows how race operates in different regions and countries of the world. He shows how race is a global phenomenon that has a long and diverse history and geography. He also shows how race is a local phenomenon that has a specific and varied meaning and practice. He provides some examples of racial formations and relations in various regions and countries, such as Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Oceania. Hartigan also shows how globalization affects racial dynamics and relations. He shows how globalization can challenge or reinforce racial inequalities and conflicts, depending on how it is managed and regulated. He also shows how globalization can create or transform racial identities and cultures, depending on how it is experienced and negotiated. He provides some examples of the effects of globalization on race, such as migration, trade, development, democracy, human rights, terrorism, and climate change. Hartigan also shows how transnational flows of people, goods, ideas, and media influence racial identities and cultures. He shows how these flows can enable or constrain racial diversity and creativity, depending on how they are accessed and used. He also shows how these flows can enhance or undermine racial solidarity and resistance, depending on how they are interpreted and communicated. He provides some examples of the influences of transnational flows on race, such as diaspora, hybridity, multiculturalism, cosmopolitanism, and digital media. Hartigan also shows some global issues and challenges related to race that require attention and action from various stakeholders. He shows how these issues and challenges are complex and urgent, and how they affect and involve people and societies across the world. He provides some examples of these issues and challenges, such as racism, xenophobia, genocide, ethnic cleansing, refugees, human trafficking, and human rights violations. The main contribution of this chapter is to provide a broad and diverse perspective on race as a global phenomenon. It also provides a relevant and timely overview of some global issues and challenges related to race that illustrate the importance and urgency of addressing ## Chapter 6: Race in a Postracial Era In this chapter, Hartigan examines the concept and discourse of postracialism. He shows what postracial means and how it is used in public discourse and politics. He also shows whether or not the U.S. is a postracial society or not. He also shows the benefits and drawbacks of postracial thinking and rhetoric. He also shows how we can address racial issues in a constructive and respectful way. Hartigan defines postracial as "a term that suggests that race no longer matters or has diminished significance in society" (p. 11). He explains that postracial is not a factual or descriptive term, but rather a normative or prescriptive one that expresses a wish or a goal. He also explains that postracial is not a singular or coherent term, but rather a contested and ambiguous one that has different meanings and implications. Hartigan shows what postracial means and how it is used in public discourse and politics. He shows how postracial emerged as a popular and influential term in the U.S. after the election of Barack Obama as the first black president in 2008. He also shows how postracial has been used by various actors and sectors, such as politicians, media, academics, activists, and ordinary citizens. He provides some examples of postracial arguments and claims, such as: - Obama's election proves that racism is over - Race is no longer relevant or important in society - Talking about race is divisive or counterproductive - Everyone should be colorblind or colorless Hartigan also shows whether or not the U.S. is a postracial society or not. He shows how the U.S. is not a postracial society, because race still matters and has significant effects on various aspects of society, such as politics, economics, culture, education, health, justice, and media. He also shows how the U.S. is not a preracial society, because race has always been a complex and dynamic phenomenon that changes over time and across space. He provides some examples of rac