New Common Ground: A New America, a New World

Race, age, political affiliation, country of origin, native language-too often Americans define themselves, and are defined, by the differences that separate them. But if the 2008 presidential campaign has taught us anything, it is that we as a people want to look beyond these divisions to the values and interests that unite us. New Common Ground embodies this zeitgeist, showing the ways that traditional boundaries among ethnic groups, political ideologies, and generations are blurring, and how to hasten the process.New Common Ground demonstrates that even though the deepest divide in America is said to be racial, the differences in viewpoints and values among races are declining, even in an age of increased intermarriage. On immigration and other controversial matters, Etzioni argues for diversity within unity and the means to achieve that necessary end. New Common Ground is a provocative and insightful look into how we as Americans can reach consensus not just in spite of our diversity but also in ways that strengthen our commitment to the good of one and all as we seek to overcome the divisiveness that sometimes results from identity politics. The book closes by looking beyond our shores to the bridges that bring America closer to the rest of the world.

Etzioni (director, Institute of Communitarian Policy Studies, George Washington U.) is a noted sociologist and former senior adviser to the White House, and he examines how boundaries between ethnic groups, political ideologies and generations have become blurred in the wake of the 2008 presidential elections. Written for general audiences, this volume is divided into separate sections that show how viewpoints and values are converging within the United States and how they have evolved with the rest of the world. The author also uses real-world examples to discuss such issues as progressive approaches to homeland security, citizenship tests as a means of immigration control and whether or not Israel should be a Jewish state. Distributed by Books International. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Toward a new consensus on rights and responsibilities