The Disuniting of America

Reflections on a Multicultural Society

By: Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.

Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach

The promise of America has always been that of a fresh economic start on equal footing. This is linked to the classic image of the republic as a melting pot, where differences of class, race, and religion are submerged in the pursuit of democracy. But today the idea of assimilation into the mainstream is giving ground to the cult of ethnicity. While this upsurge in ethnic awareness has had many healthy consequences in a nation shamed by a history of prejudice, if pressed too far, it could fragment American society to a dangerous degree.

In this powerfully argued essay, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. examines the the lessons of one polyglot country after another tearing itself apart or on the brink of doing so, and points out troubling new evidence that multiculturalism gone awry here in the United States threatens to do the same.

©1992 Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. (P)1994 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"One of the most devastating and articulate attacks on multiculturalism yet to appear." ( Wall Street Journal)
"A brilliant book.... We owe Arthur Schlesinger a great debt of gratitude." ( New Republic)
"A passionate criticism of multiculturalism by the two-time Pulitzer-winner." ( Kirkus Reviews)

Should absolutely be must reading for political

Should absolutely be must reading for political science or journalism majors, and highly recommended for everybody.

When it was written in 1992, it might have been called "theoretical," or maybe, "it can't happen here." Unfortunately, it can, so today it's descriptive of what is happening in the US right now, and the changes to our country we can expect in not many more years unless there is a quick public realization of what is going on.

The narration is well done, and the narrative itself is very interesting, never boring. If you know an avalanche is tumbling down on us in America today and can't quite describe it, this short book might do it for you.

Interesting book, if a little outdated

This book was really interesting to listen to, and I felt like I learned a lot!
However, the content seems a little outdated, and I believe a newer edition might do some good to this book!

Defending the Exceptional American Experiment

Dr. Schlesinger does a masterful job of detailing the exceptional nature of the American experiment, why it has endured, and the adolescent & intellectually dishonest philosophies that are popularly attempting to dismantle it. The philosophies themselves would be laughable had their purveyors not captured tenured chairs at some of our finest universities and been provided uncritical support and promotion by our entertainment and media establishment. I consume 25-30 audiobooks & lecture series a year and have done so for nigh 15 or so years now. This one holds an honored place near the top of that great library and is one I will return to in the fullness of time. Highly recommended.

Changing Demographics AreThe Strength & Challenge

As a minority (but not for long!) living in America, I am aware of the changing demographics that are rapidly going on here in the States.

Diversity and Changing Demographics are both a strength and challenge facing us in this country. In this great country where we have rights and freedoms granted to us by the Constitution and Bill of Rights of Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion and the Right to Bear Arms, we have to understand that the demographics are changing and that there are more and more people immigrating here and adding to our Great Melting Pop than ever before.

Let's not fear the Change... Let's Embrace it and become even greater!

Truth that endures

Very valid observations that highlight ethnicity issues then, now, and always. Excellent articulation of historical factors we forgot. or perhaps were never taught, and likely are not taught today.