In earlier twentieth-century America, they were of more concern in Eastern cities than in Midwestern farm communities because in rural communities they seemed colorful and accommodative but in cosmopolitan places they were often sources of tension. They are, however, a widespread element in American society, subject to scrutiny by social scientists and manipulation by politicians. The sources and nature of such an identity are complex, and to those who have had little contact with ethnic groups especially in big cities - ethnic identities may be puzzling. Judaism as a formal religion seems to have little place in their lives, but their consciousness of themselves as Jews is always present With the exception of Frank Alpine and Ward Minogue, the important characters are Jews, but since they are in a neighborhood of gentiles, they are drawn to one another - however vaguely or antagonistically at times - by the bond of their Jewishness. The neighborhood is a rundown conglomeration of tenements and stores not far from a small park, a movie theater, and a public library.
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