Shades of White: White Kids and Racial Identities in High School

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Summary: A detailed ethnographic analysis of race relations
Review: This book provides a detailed ethnnographic analysis of race and race relations as experienced in two Pacific Coast high schools. Perry examines the extent to which racial differences play a part in students'self-perceptions and explores significant differences in racial identities between whites who have daily contact with non-whites and whites whose contacts with non-whites are limited. This study is notable for its careful attention to the meanings high school students attribute to clothing styles, tastes in music, leisure activities, and so on. But the author's major contribution is conveying how affluent white students feel about non-whites. The author offers few original assessments, but her scrupulous attention to detail, sensitive portrayals of students, and accessible prose makes this a valuable study. Recommended. Stephen D. Glazier, Adjunct Professor of Anthropology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln