Whitfield, Stephen J.

Describes Jewish contributions to American culture and whether or not a distinct American Jewish culture exists, and emphasizes the importance of a strong Judaism base to prevent complete assimilation into American culture; including discussion of music, theater, musical theater, race, the Holocaust, and faith.

Explores how the Cold War impacted American culture in the twentieth century and discusses how the end of the Cold War has influenced the national identity.

Analyzes the case of Emmett Till, a fourteen-year-old African-American boy from Chicago who was killed in Mississippi in 1955 for allegedly whistling at a white woman; discusses the trial and acquittal of the two men who lynched Till; and explores the social impact of the incident.