Brief Summary of Chapter 4

The Dream of Full Participation

This chapter introduces Jesse Jackson's proposal for a patchwork quilt nation. He proposed the idea in a speech at the 1988 Democratic National Convention. It is explained how this vision for the future of America is a break with the vision of the founders. The idea goes beyond tolerance and traditional pluralism which can exist in an environment of white superiority. In a patchwork quilt America the gifts of every race and identity group contribute to the national culture which is held together by a shared commitment to the common good. When the white paradigm is replaced by a patchwork quilt paradigm description of the civil rights dream becomes : America will be a nation where every race, ethnicity, and identity group has full participation in the political, economic, and cultural life of the nation so that the barrier to fulfilling individual aspirations are no greater for one person than another.