Can We All Get Along?: Racial and Ethnic Minorities in American Politics (Dilemmas in American Politics) [Paperback]

Paula D. McClain (Author), Joseph Stewart Jr. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 5, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0813343216 | ISBN-13: 978-0813343211 | Edition: Fourth Edition

In a nation built by immigrants and bedeviled by the history and legacy of slavery and discrimination, issues of liberty, equality, and community continue to challenge Americans. In the fourth edition of this widely acclaimed text, Paula McClain and Joseph Stewart combine traditional elements of political science analysis-history, Constitutional theory, institutions, political behavior, and policy actors-with a fully updated survey of the political status of four major groups: African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, and American Indians. They show similarities and differences in these groups’ political action and experience, and point the way toward coalition, competition, and consensus building in the face of ongoing conflict. Two dilemmas shape the book: How do we as a nation reconcile a commitment to equality with persistent inequality and discrimination? And what can we do about it-from the perspective of ethnic and racial minorities as well as within the dominant culture? Thoroughly updated following the 2004 national elections and complete 2000 Census data, this new edition provides a concise overview of minority politics in America.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This latest edition of ‘Can We All Get Along?’, arriving as it does in the recent wake of the paradigm shifting election of President Obama, gives students and instructors alike the updated comparative data and nuanced interpretation they need to understand the magnitude of racial and ethnic politics in the U.S.”
—David E. Wilkins, University of Minnesota

“In the wake of an historic election, students will be searching for ways to understand the significance of race and ethnicity in American politics. This book offers a comprehensive and comparative approach to this important topic. It provides crucial historical context, vital contemporary data, and a survey of the most up-to-date theory in the field. For these reasons, I rely upon ‘Can We All Get Along?’ as the backbone of my Race and American Politics course.”
—Regina Freer, Occidental College

“‘Can We All Get Along?’ explains why Barack Obama’s 2008 election to the presidency has not made Rodney King’s plaintive cry in 1992 irrelevant any more than it has eliminated race and ethnicity as factors integral to American politics, and the new 5th edition enables our comprehension of those facts to be as contemporary as today’s headlines. Students in a basic American government course will learn from this versatile, accessible book that ethnicity/race is not merely a theme casually imposed on American politics; those in a minority politics class will be treated to a unique comparative examination of American politics from the divergent perspectives of principal American ethnic/racial minority groups. McClain and Stewart continue their tradition of clear and analytical writing that is also interesting. An exceptionally useful text!”
—Jim Sheffield, University of Oklahoma

“This book is a unique resource for helping students to understand the interplay between diverse populations and the American political system. The latest edition provides a rich introduction to the histories, theoretical concepts, and key terms associated with U.S. racial and ethnic politics. Students will also appreciate the authors’ attention to recent statistics and the dynamics of the 2008 Presidential race.”
—Janelle S. Wong, University of Southern California

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Paula D. McClain is professor of political science, public policy, and African and African American Studies at Duke University as well as the co-director of the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Gender in the Social Sciences. Her articles have appeared in numerous journals, including the Journal of Politics, American Political Science Review, Urban Affairs Review, and American Politics Quarterly.

 

Joseph Stewart, Jr., is professor of political science at Clemson University. His work has appeared in a variety of political science, education, public policy, and interdisciplinary journals. His award-winning books include Race, Class, and Education (with Ken Meier and Robert England) and The Politics of Hispanic Education (with Ken Meier).

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Westview Press; Fourth Edition edition (August 5, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813343216
• ISBN-13: 978-0813343211
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #816,206 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Horrible!!!, October 26, 2010

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G. Quintanilla (Chicago, Il) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: "Can We All Get Along?": Racial and Ethnic Minorities in American Politics (Dilemmas in American Politics) (Paperback)

Terribly written! I read the entire book even though our professor only required us to read the first three chapters. He stated, "I never would have required this book for this class but I was not involved in the writing of the syllabus." I should have followed his instructions because I wasted an entire day reading this book.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quality book and vendor, September 27, 2010

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Trixie Ramone - See all my reviews

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This review is from: "Can We All Get Along?": Racial and Ethnic Minorities in American Politics (Dilemmas in American Politics) (Paperback)

I received the book ahead of the projected time frame and it was in excellent condition. Very happy with the item and vendor.

1 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good quality, decent delivery, April 5, 2006

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Joseph Provenzano (Florida) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Can We All Get Along?: Racial and Ethnic Minorities in American Politics (Dilemmas in American Politics) (Paperback)

I planned ahead and got the book just about on time. You need to make sure you oder your books altleast a week or week and ahalf before the class starts if you want it for the first day.