Two Nations Black And White Separate Hostile U
Abstract
In Andrew Hacker's book, Two Nations, Hacker argues that blacks and whites live in two different worlds. He uses statistical evidence to prove that the United States is a nation of inequality, hostility, and separatism. Hacker uses a quote from Benjamin Disraeli in the preface that basically sums up his entire book, "Two nations, between whom there is no intercourse and no sympathy; who are as ignorant of each others habits, thoughts, and feelings, as if they were dwellers in different zones, or inhabitants of different planets." (p. ix)
This book is Hacker's opinion as to the real dimensions of race and how it controls lives and divides society.
Separate, hostile, and unequal, that is how Andrew Hacker depicts the relations between blacks and whites in the United States. There seems to be two separate nations in one country, with one struggling to survive and/or succeed, and the other fighting to maintain their superior status. This has been going on for nearly a century and a half (since the abolition of slavery). Blacks are still treated as lesser citizens in the very country they were born in. They are still discriminated against and segregated. Therefore, the author sees racism alive and well in the United States.
Hacker starts out by describing races and different ethnicities. He points out that although some people are not of European origin, they can be more acceptable to whites. For example, Asians, Hispanics and people from the Middle East can fit into white America by proving themselves (through obtaining an education, and in family and work values). However, the same cannot be said of African-Americans. They are not readily accepted even when they have proven themselves.
Hacker has a tendency to portray all other races and ethnic groups (besides the black and white race) as mere spectators with virtually no importance in the racial conflict. He pays no attention to the roles that...
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