The Human Face of Globalization

Anthropologist and sociologist Jacques Audinet proposes an alternative to culture wars and simple multiculturalism as he explores the history and evolution ofmestizaje, the mixing of races and cultures resulting in a third and new force able to ease the tensions between the original two. Audinet reviews the tragic history of imperial and colonial conquests and traces the growth ofmestizaje, especially stimulated by literature, music and sports. Audinet argues that, instead of chasing or preserving the illusion of "pure" races, we need to face the shifting boundaries of peoples and cultures. He acknowledges the uncertainty of the changes, but emphasizes the essential role thatmestizaje can play in the avoidance of racial and cultural clashes while pursuing equality as part of the promise of a democratic society.

International immigration, massive migrations, economic globalization and a world-wide communications revolution have brought about a mixing of races, cultures and lifestyles unprecedented in human history. What are the implications of this phenomenon? What options present themselves…a battle of cultures for power; a move toward communitarian cooperation, or, something new, the evolution of racially and culturally mixed societies?

Anthropologist and sociologist Jacques Audinet proposes an alternative to culture wars and simple multiculturalism as he explores the history and evolution ofmestizaje, the mixing of races and cultures resulting in a third and new force able to ease the tensions between the original two. Audinet reviews the tragic history of imperial and colonial conquests and traces the growth ofmestizaje, especially stimulated by literature, music and sports.

Audinet argues that, instead of chasing or preserving the illusion of "pure" races, we need to face the shifting boundaries of peoples and cultures. He acknowledges the uncertainty of the changes, but emphasizes the essential role thatmestizaje can play in the avoidance of racial and cultural clashes while pursuing equality as part of the promise of a democratic society.

Chapter 1 Introduction: Encounters...
Chapter 2 Chapter I: Diversity, Geography, Cultures
Part 3 In the Beginning was Geography
Part 4 Cultural Indicators
Part 5 Culture & Modernity
Chapter 6 Chapter II: From Multicultural toMestizaje
Part 7 Recognizing Differences
Part 8 Beyond Multiculturalism
Part 9 What aboutMestizaje?
Chapter 10 Chapter III: The Vocabulary ofMestizaje
Part 11 The Vocabulary of Marginality
Part 12 The Scale of Colors
Part 13 From Contempt to Recognition
Chapter 14 Chapter IV:Mestizaje Recognized
Part 15 Inescapable Diversity
Part 16 A Desired Totality
Part 17 Between Body and Dream
Chapter 18 Chapter V: A (Hi)Story of Desire and Violence
Part 19 The Flesh of Empires
Part 20 Legendary Figures
Part 21 The Labyrinth of Contradiction
Chapter 22 Chapter VI: Democracy: Rupture and Turning Point
Part 23 Mestizaje Doesn't Exist: Cornelius de Pauw
Part 24 InegalitarianMestizaje: Arthur de Gobineau
Part 25 Liberty Protests: Alexis de Tocqueville
Chapter 26 Chapter VII: The Transformation of Bonds
Part 27 Shifting Boundaries
Part 28 Binary or Ternary Dialogue
Part 29 The In-Between Zones
Chapter 30 Chapter VIII: Symbology Shattered
Part 31 Nebulous Images
Part 32 The Body at Stake
Part 33 Reinvention at Work
Chapter 34 Chapter IX: A Memory with a Future
Part 35 Vasconcelos, or Cosmic Utopia
Part 36 A Profound Reversal
Part 37 The Future's Unpredictable Element
Chapter 38 Conclusion: A Paradigm for Humanity