American Ethnic History
The novel is essentially the retelling of American history from a different perspective, rather than the Eurocentric view of history, it tells the ethnic history of the nation. Takaki recovers the lost history of African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, the Irish, Mexicans, and Jews by accounting significant milestones in this retelling. The chapters are divided to focus on different ethnic groups at a time, offering details regarding the cultural, political and legislative aspects around the particular group at various points in history. It revisions the mainstream take on American history by incorporating the full scope of all immigrants who make up the multicultural society.
Multiculturalism
The overarching subject of the book is American diversity hence is conveys the significance of understanding the multiethnic nature of United States. The essence of the nation is its diversity and rich culture from different ethnic groups and races. However this aspect has been poorly incorporated into its history thus Takaki takes the opportunity to highlight this issue. As a minority, he offers a unique perspective into history without the typical WASP-related outlook. The message he conveys is for the education system and society in general to keep alive the history of the diverse groups that make up the United States of America. Accordingly, assertions such as “The study of diversity is essential for understanding how and why America became what Walt Whitman called a “teeming nation of nations” accentuates the central theme of multiculturalism.
Us against Them
Though the novel stresses multiculturalism it also highlights the ugly side of history and how it has pitted the majority race against the minority races. Takaki emphasizes the ‘master-slave’ attitude that has persisted past the slavery era through to modern times. Racial prejudice and institutionalized racism are explored in depth from the angle of every minority group in America and how it has molded public attitudes. It paints the reality of the injustices, violence, and racism that immigrants have had to suffer through for centuries. Takaki highlights these elements to express the authentic portrayal of American history so as to foster a multicultural notion that is all-inclusive of all groups.
