FOCUS

ONE AMERICA IN THE 21st CENTURY
In a speech on race relations delivered at a university commencement in June 1997, President Clinton appealed for racial reconciliation to begin what he calls a year-long effort to lead America in a "great and unprecedented conversation about race." He also announced the appointment of a seven-member advisory panel to help in this endeavor by promoting a dialogue "in every community in the land."

COMMENTARY

RACE IN AMERICA: PERCEPTIONS AND PARAMETERS
Our consideration of issues suggested by the U.S. national dialogue begins with some basic questions regarding race, diversity and progress across Society. Ronald Takaki, in an article, "A Different Mirror," points to a racial framework that goes beyond a black-white boundary and notes the unfinished business that remains today in racial relations. Abigail and Stephan Thernstrom, in "The Overlooked Story," discuss the gains of the past four decades that often have been overshadowed by flashpoints of crisis. Ronald Ferguson examines the role economics has played in the struggle for equality. Finally, findings of the Gallup Survey indicate the evolution of attitudes since the 1950s, and some current statistical data hints at the challenges that persist.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION: A PIVOTAL DISCUSSION
Few subjects within the framework of race and diversity spark as much debate as affirmative action. In this section, Ricardo R. Fernandez argues that this policy has brought Americans closer to a truly inclusive society, and therefore should be continued. Glenn C. Loury suggests a developmental, rather than a preferential, approach to affirmative action. And William A. Galston presents some policy proposals for consideration that would take U.S. society beyond the current system and the ongoing debate.

PERSPECTIVES ON RACE
The subject of race in America continues to inspire a lively and intense expression of opinion across the U.S. social and political landscape. This sample, prepared by Charlotte Astor, presents recent commentary from a variety of sources.

RESOURCES

GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN THIS JOURNAL
This selection of terms is drawn from the articles contained in this journal and does not reflect the much broader issue of race in the U.S. in all its complexity.

ARTICLE ALERT

SELECTED BOOKS, ARTICLES AND INTERNET SITES

U.S. Society & Values

USIA Electronic Journal

Volume 2, Number 3, August 1997

USIA's electronic journals, published and transmitted worldwide at three-week intervals, examine major issues facing the United States and the international community, and inform foreign publics about the United States. The journals -- Economic Perspectives, Global Issues, Issues of Democracy, U.S. Foreign Policy Agenda and U.S. Society & Values -- provide analysis, commentary and background information in their thematic areas. French and Spanish language versions appear one week after the English. The opinions expressed in the journals do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Government. Articles may be reproduced and translated outside the United States unless there are specific copyright restrictions cited on the article.

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Editor, U..S. Society & Values
Society and Values - I/TSV 301 4th Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20547
United States of America

ejvalues@usia.gov

Publisher..........................Judith S. Siegel
Editor.............................William Peters
Managing Editors...................Charlotte Astor
                 ..................Michael Bandler
Associate Editors..................Wayne Hall
                 ..................Guy Olson
Contributing Editors...............Carmen G. Aponte
                 ..................Sandra S. Jackson
                 ..................John A. Quintus
                 ..................Rosalie Targonski
Art Director/Graphic Designer......Thaddeus A. Miskinski, Jr.
Graphics Assistant.................Sylvia Scott
Internet Editor....................Chandley McDonald
Reference and Research.............Mary Ann V. Gamble
                 ..................Kathy Spiegel

                  Editorial Board

Howard Cincotta...Rosemary Crockett...Judy S. Siegel

U.S. Society & Values
USIA Electronic Journal, Vol. 2, No. 3, August 1997