“Today, in a manner unknown since the arrival of the Pilgrims, the cultural
center of the American nation is fragmenting. The results of the year 2000
census show Hispanics to be overtaking African Americans as the largest
minority, while non-Hispanic whites have declined to just two-thirds of
the U.S. population and have become a minority in the most populous
state, California. Contemplating their demographic decline, white Americans
are engaging in an increasingly bitter, internecine “culture war” that
pits liberal against conservative in a polarized political climate. Against a
demographic backdrop known as the “Browning of America,” the forces
of multiculturalism vie for influence with popular initiatives proclaiming
“English Only,” “immigration reform,” and a Christian America.”