My sincere thanks to all those who talked with me about the topics discussed in this textbook. Particular thanks to those who read all or much of the manuscript: James Hollander (my dad), Rosalie Otters (my mom), Carl Rardon, and Jason Tingler. This is a better book because of their extensive critical feedback. I also benefited, in terms of ideas and encouragement, from conversations on the importance and challenges of teaching diversity with Lori Barr, James Benson, Anna Bogen, Sue Conklin, Rhea Edmonds, Laura Emerick, Trish Frazzini, Whitney Gherman, Chelsea Glezen, Andrew Hand, Primrose Igonor, Johnnie Jackson, Lillie Kirsch, Ed McCants, Richard Prystowsky, Jamilah Tucker, Jason Turowetz, and Wendy Weichenthal. Likewise, I’ve benefited from many conversations about race and diversity with Marion Technical College students in my sociology classes. My conception of sociology as a discipline has been shaped in fundamental ways by Doug Maynard, from whom I continue to learn. Thanks also to Tod Van Gunten. In hindsight, Mara Loveman’s 2006 seminar on “Race and Nation in Latin America” (Department of Sociology, University of Wisconsin-Madison) planted a seed for me, influencing me far more than I realized as a student. This project received funding from The Ohio State University Center for Latin American Studies (Principal Investigator: Scott Schwenter). Last but not least, thanks with all my love to my family—Mom and Dad, Rachel and Brian, Nora, Samuel, Iliana, Samy. This book is dedicated to the memory of Griselda Chávez Cervantes and Ken Mahlstedt.