Final answer:
According to the author, the difference between German and American treatment of ethnicity lies in their approach to assimilation and cultural preservation. In the United States, there has been an emphasis on assimilation, while Germany has a more cultural preservation approach.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between German and American treatment of ethnicity, according to the author, can be understood through the concepts of assimilation and cultural preservation. In the United States, there has been a historical emphasis on assimilation, where ethnic minorities are expected to conform to the dominant culture. This was achieved through policies such as anti-miscegenation laws and efforts to destroy Native cultures in order to assimilate Native peoples.
In contrast, Germany has had a more cultural preservation approach, which acknowledges and values diversity. The author suggests that by preserving the distinctiveness of ethnic populations, minority religious traditions, languages, philosophies, arts, and economic practices can thrive.