Zack (philosophy, U. of Oregon) applies philosophical methods to the problem of race. She describes the history of the concept of race, its cultural meanings, and the dearth of real scientific proof of racial difference, and the social reality of race that nevertheless occurs. She examines the issues of mixed race, ethnicity, whiteness, and racial and ethnic identity. Zack also addresses public policy and affirmative action, the issues of race relative to gender, including a discussion of race, romance and sexuality, and race relative to class. In each section Zack suggests discussion questions and recommends readings. This edition includes new material on the 2000 US census data, the 2003 US Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action, the lack of a racial component in genetics, and the role of the media in questions of race. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)