Race and Racism in the West: Crusades to the Present

Race and Racism in the West: Crusades to the Present is an anthology for use in courses on multiculturalism and ethnicity. The book addresses some of the western hemisphere’s historical attitudes about racial identity. These include the concept of white privilege, the presence of paternalism, and the medieval origins of racialization based on blood in Spain. A discussion of the psychology of the colonizer and the colonized demonstrates how historic processes cast long shadows over many societies.

The book is divided into sections that cover the historic roots of racism, discrimination, and colonialism as seen in the First Crusade, the destruction of the Indies and concept of caste in Colonial Mexico, scientific racism and Nazi Germany, nationalism, colonialism, and post-colonial thought. There is also a reading about the criminal justice system since the 1970s, and a special focus on racism and denial in Latin America.

The third edition includes diverse comparative reading selections, such as an excerpt from Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf on the political necessity of race in politics, a new four-part chapter by the editor on medieval Spain and anti-Semitism, the First Crusade’s effect on Islamophobia, and Spain’s conflict with modern identity in an age of social and political inclusion. The excerpts on the Chinese in America and Mexico correspond well with present immigration debates, and how racial attitudes are shaped socially and politically. Students and instructors alike will find ways to make connections through new discussion prompts and glossaries of terms in newer chapters.

Race and Racism in the West provides students with a thought-provoking examination of an issue that is rooted deep within the past and more prevalent in light of recent political and societal shifts in the United States and Western Europe.

Paul Sweeney received his B.S. in history at Eastern Michigan University and an M.A. in interdisciplinary studies at California State University, San Bernardino, where he currently teaches courses on race and racism and research writing. Professor Sweeney also lectures for Latin American studies at the University of Redlands. His interest in and appreciation for ethnic diversity stems from fieldwork in Cuba. He is currently planning his Ph.D. studies in a cultural history program.