This book examines and analyzes Americanization, De-Americanization, and racialized ethnic groups in America. It shows that America's cultural homogeneity, which is based on "whiteness," has important consequences for racialized ethnic groups in America. The question, then, of who is an American becomes overriding. Although racialized ethnic groups remain unassimilated into the dominant culture, the recognition and celebration of the non-dominant cultures are important for multiculturalism. However, non-dominant cultures are tied to cultural otherness. Cultural otherness is looked upon as Un-Americanness. For this reason, there is a need to move beyond multiculturalism. "Postmulticulturalism," then, would be the new possibility.
'This is an interesting book on who is perceived to be an American. Pinder's systematic analysis and discussion of the racialization of all the hyphenated groups (i.e. Chinese-American, Native Americans, and African-Americans, etc.) is exciting. This book is a welcome and erudite contribution to the African studies field, political science, and women's studies, especially for classes on race and gender.' Thelma Pinto, Codirector of Africana Studies, Hobart & William Smith Colleges, USA, and Past President of the African Literature Association