Seeing Ourselves: Exploring Race, Ethnicity and Culture

James S. Frideres is associate dean (research) in the Faculty of Social
Sciences at the University of Calgary and the author of A World of
Communities: Participatory Research.

This book presents essays by students on their experiences, feelings,
and opinions with respect to race and ethnic relations. The essays, most
of which were written by white females, were gathered over a period of
eight years from colleges and universities in Southern Ontario. Adrienne
Shadd, a well-known black Canadian, contributes a biting commentary
about the role institutional racism plays in the daily lives of visible
minorities living in Canada.

Chapters 1 through 3 examine sociological and psychological theories
that emphasize the role of culture in the formation of identity. In
Chapter 4, the students present essays comparing themselves with a
preselected individual they were required to interview. Chapter 5
discusses how students view themselves in a racial/ethnic context. In
the final chapter, the students reflect on what they have learned about
ethnic/race relations through their interviews and through completing
self-reflective exercises. At the end of each chapter, the editor
provides an interpretation of the students’ writings.

The book suggests that students, although concerned about race
relations in Canada, do not rank this issue particularly high on their
priority list. Recommended for use by instructors who are both skilled
in the specific pedagogy employed and familiar with theories of ethnic
relations.