Chapters 1 & 2

• Before beginning this book, what did you know about the history of how certain groups were included/excluded in the white race? Who has always benefitted?

• How have state-backed policies like offering reduced priced land to new German settlers in Pennsylvania, Homestead Act encouraged westward migration of white settlers promoted white dominance?

• What do you think of the role of the media and xenophobia, both then and now? (Morse and telegraph in 1841, mainstream news, TikToc, YouTube)

• What similarities exist between the Know Nothing Party and current movements?

• What role did the labor movement play in deepening xenophobia in the US?

Chapters 3, 4, & 5

• Did what you read here differ from your concept of American history? Was there any event discussed that jumped out at you.

• How did the regulations and retaliations against the Chinese differ from previous actions against people groups?

• In what ways did the Chinese Exclusion Act change how America operated

• How did publications on eugenics influence policies in America

• What are ways xenophobia overlapped with anti-black racism of America to propel white supremacist viewpoints.

• How have American policies continued to “move the goalposts” with regards to viewing foreigners moving, living, and working here