In the book Ethnic America by Thomas Sowell the author discusses the different
experiences and backgrounds of various ethnicities settling in America. He paints a clear picture
of both the uniqueness and similarities of the ethnicities through politics, social norms, economic
conditions, education, and cultural history.Choose 2 ethnic groups mentioned and described in Ethnic America.
The Jews and The Germans
Explain/answer the following for each.
? What were the circumstances that led the ethnic group to come to America
? Give background and history of the ethnic group’s culture. Paint a picture of the country
of origin and be clear as to why that group made the decision to come to America
? Give detailed account of what occurred when the ethnic group first arrived in America,
ex. How was this ethnic group treated?
? What was different about this group?
? Discuss politics, education, occupational differences, leadership, social conditions etc.,
for each ethnicity
? What were some of the biggest challenges facing this ethnic group? Why?
? How did this ethnic group contribute to American society?
? Compare and contrast the ethnic groups you chose. Explain how they are similar and how
they are different.
? Finally give your opinion and overview, reflect on the descriptions of the ethnic groups
given to you by Thomas Sowell. Put yourself in that time, how would you have built a
better life for yourself in America? What would you have done differently?
