Karen D. Brodkin’s main claim is that race and ethnicity are socially constructed concepts. She argues this claim by examining how European immigrants, Jews in particular, were treated and viewed more superior as the times changed in America. She explains how initially, European immigrants were not viewed as white. Much of this had to do with the strong anti-Semitism view that much of the nation felt. Brodkin explains, “American anti-Semitism was part of a broader pattern of late-nineteenth-century racism against all southern and eastern European immigrants, as well as against Asian immigrants.” The author makes it clear that this discrimination was not only felt by European immigrants. It got to the point where immigration from these countries …show more content…
They were viewed as an inferior race and because of this they were not allowed to enter the U.S for a period of time during the 1920s. Books such as Passing of the Great Race by Madison Grant further glorified the theories of eugenics and categorizing Jews as the worst race. Brodkin also explains how this discrimination extended to higher education, making it even more difficult for Jews to enter colleges.

Brodkin’s next claim is that Jews started to become white through the efforts that were taken place during WWII and the fact they they started to become middle class. According to Brodkin, “Some of the changes set in motion during the war against fascism led to a more inclusive version of whiteness. Anti-Semitism and anti-European racism lost respectability.” The discrimination towards European races took a backseat as there was a greater fight happening at the time.

Brodkin’s next claim is that affirmative programs were the ultimate forces that aided European races to becoming white and reaching higher classes. Through programs such as the GI Bill of Rights and VA mortgages, male European men were able to advance to higher education and gain more professional careers. Brodkin describes these programs as being affirmative action as they favored these