American culture and institutions were from the nation's origins distorted by racism and ethnocentrism. These ethnocentric attitudes of the native-born population toward immigrants might be called:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nativism refers to the belief that native-born citizens are superior to immigrants, and the tendency to favor native-born citizens in terms of policies and opportunities. This belief has been present in American culture and institutions from the beginning, and has led to discrimination and mistreatment of immigrant groups. Essentialism, on the other hand, refers to the belief that individuals or groups have inherent or essential characteristics that define them, and is not necessarily related to nativism. Pluralism is the recognition and acceptance of diversity in society, and is not consistent with the ethnocentric attitudes of nativism. Therefore, the best choice is A) Nativism.

American Culture and Institutions Were from the Nation's Origins Distorted