About the book
When southern Italians began emigrating to the U.S. in large numbers in the 1870s-part of the \"new immigration\" from southern and eastern rather than northern Europe-they were seen as racially inferior, what David A. J. Richards terms \"nonvisibly\" black.
The first study of its kind, Italian American explores the acculturation process of Italian immigrants in terms of then-current patterns of European and American racism. Delving into the political and legal context of flawed liberal nationalism both in Italy (the Risorgimento) and the United States (Reconstruction Amendments), Richards examines why Italian Americans were so reluctant to influence depictions of themselves and their own collective identity. He argues that American racism could not have had the durability or political power it has had either in the popular understanding or in the corruption of constitutional ideals unless many new immigrants, themselves often regarded as racially inferior, had been drawn into accepting and supporting many of the terms of American racism.
With its unprecedented focus on Italian American identity and an interdisciplinary approach to comparative culture and law, this timely study sheds important light on the history and contemporary importance of identity and multicultural politics in American political and constitutional debate.
Editions of Italian American
- AltFormat
- ISBN 9780814775202
Read an Excerpt
When southern Italians began emigrating to the U.S. in large numbers in the 1870s-part of the \"new immigration\" from southern and eastern rather than northern Europe-they were seen as racially inferior, what David A. J. Richards terms \"nonvisibly\" black.
The first study of its kind, Italian American explores the acculturation process of Italian immigrants in terms of then-current patterns of European and American racism. Delving into the political and legal context of flawed liberal nationalism both in Italy (the Risorgimento) and the United States (Reconstruction Amendments), Richards examines why Italian Americans were so reluctant to influence depictions of themselves and their own collective identity. He argues that American racism could not have had the durability or political power it has had either in the popular understanding or in the corruption of constitutional ideals unless many new immigrants, themselves often regarded as racially inferior, had been drawn into accepting and supporting many of the terms of American racism.
With its unprecedented focus on Italian American identity and an interdisciplinary approach to comparative culture and law, this timely study sheds important light on the history and contemporary importance of identity and multicultural politics in American political and constitutional debate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Italian American about?
When southern Italians began emigrating to the U.S. in large numbers in the 1870s-part of the \"new immigration\" from southern and eastern rather than northern Europe-they were seen as racially inferior, what David A. J. Richards terms \"nonvisibly\" black.
The first study of its kind, Italian American explores the acculturation process of Italian immigrants in terms of then-current patterns of European and American racism. Delving into the political and legal context of flawed liberal nationalism both in Italy (the Risorgimento) and the United States (Reconstruction Amendments), Richards examines why Italian Americans were so reluctant to influence depictions of themselves and their own collective identity. He argues that American racism could not have had the durability or political power it has had either in the popular understanding or in the corruption of constitutional ideals unless many new immigrants, themselves often regarded as racially inferior, had been drawn into accepting and supporting many of the terms of American racism.
With its unprecedented focus on Italian American identity and an interdisciplinary approach to comparative culture and law, this timely study sheds important light on the history and contemporary importance of identity and multicultural politics in American political and constitutional debate.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Italian American?
Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Social groups, communities and identities > Ethnic studies / Ethnicity
Where can I read a sample of Italian American?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780814775202
How long is Italian American and how many pages does it have?
Italian American has 288 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Italian American?
David A.J. Richards
Who is the Publisher of the book Italian American?
NYU Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Italian American is available as altformat(ISBN 9780814775202)
Where can I buy Italian American online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Italian American from below
Where can I buy Italian American?