Introduction to the Issue

The criminal trial of O. J. Simpson, his acquittal, and the subsequent public reaction have provided an opportunity to apply social science models and methods in ways that have enhanced our understanding of the complexity and dynamics of ethnicity. Most of the articles in this issue focus on ethnicity and go beyond simplistic analyses of ethnic differences in responses to O. J. Simpson and the trial. These analyses inform us that ethnicity is best viewed as a proxy for a host of life experiences, beliefs, and attitudes. The knowledge gained from these applications demonstrates that social scientists can contribute to the understanding of major public events when issues of ethnicity are involved. This article provides an introduction to the dynamics of ethnicity and overviews of the articles in this collection.