RUTH BENEDICT (1887–1948) was a prominent American anthropologist, a protégée of Franz Boas, and a contemporary (and close friend) of Margaret Mead. Benedict’s other major books include Patterns of Culture and The Chrysanthemum and the Sword. She was also an accomplished poet, often writing under the pseudonym Anne Singleton.

Speaking as a true humanitarian who sees the broader aspects of the issue, Benedict warns that racial discrimination has become a political machine, used to justify every kind of persecution and exploitation. . . . Benedict is a sane optimist, and her book is worthy of being reprinted again and again—as long as racial bigotry persists.

RUTH BENEDICT (1887–1948) was a prominent American anthropologist, a protégée of Franz Boas, and a contemporary (and close friend) of Margaret Mead. Benedict’s other major books include Patterns of Culture and The Chrysanthemum and the Sword. She was also an accomplished poet, often writing under the pseudonym Anne Singleton.

Speaking as a true humanitarian who sees the broader aspects of the issue, Benedict warns that racial discrimination has become a political machine, used to justify every kind of persecution and exploitation. . . . Benedict is a sane optimist, and her book is worthy of being reprinted again and again—as long as racial bigotry persists.

RUTH BENEDICT (1887–1948) was a prominent American anthropologist, a protégée of Franz Boas, and a contemporary (and close friend) of Margaret Mead. Benedict’s other major books include Patterns of Culture and The Chrysanthemum and the Sword. She was also an accomplished poet, often writing under the pseudonym Anne Singleton.

Speaking as a true humanitarian who sees the broader aspects of the issue, Benedict warns that racial discrimination has become a political machine, used to justify every kind of persecution and exploitation. . . . Benedict is a sane optimist, and her book is worthy of being reprinted again and again—as long as racial bigotry persists.