This non-fiction book analyzes the relationship between the American government and majority population to various minority groups throughout American history, in order of history. First, Takaki addresses the corruption in dealings with Native people groups. From the beginning of American history, Europeans historically disregarded the human dignity of Native American culture. They seized their land and property and continually pushed them toward smaller spaces eventually constructing the idea of a Native American reserve.
Then, he discusses the abduction of Africans and their subjection to Americans as slaves. This practice endured for centuries and only ended in the 19th century. This also led to the growth of the minority population of African Americans who have been historically mistreated. After generations and generations of slavery came the Emancipation Proclamation, but still the rights of Black people have been hard-won, historically speaking.
He discusses other minority populations and their historical mistreatment, including the historical racism against Jews and Irish populations in urban areas, especially in New England. Those populations were often seriously mistreated and removed from opportunities. Takaki also mentions the rise of labor unions because of the mistreatment of Mexicans, Chicanos, and other minority groups. Even until recent years, there has been mistreatment of Asian American populations, but Takaki makes special mention of the Japanese internment and the Chinese Exclusion Act. He ends the book by reflecting on the continuation of racist ideologies, commenting that the government still does not represent the population as ethnically diverse, and still there are racially prejudiced ideas about foreigners "stealing jobs." The problem is far from being solved, in his estimation.
