Abstract

The author contends that the structure of beliefs that forms the basis of one's national community has a marked influence upon self-identity. Then he draws upon this general thesis to diagnose three distinct forms of racism found in America: "Projection of Invisibility" (PI); "Appeal to Xenophobia" (AX); and "Intended Vertical Invidious Comparison" (IVIC). For each of these viewpoints, he identifies the interpretation of the American tradition in which it is rooted and also points out elements within the American tradition which can be employed to overcome it.