Racial and Cultural Conflict

Racial and Cultural Conflict appears as a literary theme in 3 works in the BetterReads curated set. Each book develops the idea in its own plot, voice, and historical moment — the links below open the book-scoped theme guide beside the text.

The conflict is framed as a racial struggle between 'Mongolian' Hans and white Americans, with the Hans depicted as decadent, oppressive, and physically inferior, while Americans are portrayed as vigorous and morally superior, reflecting early 20th-century racial anxieties.

Tensions between races and cultures are prominent, from the Picts vs. Romans and Gaels, to the colonial encounters in Africa, and the global conspiracy of non-white races led by Kathulos, reflecting themes of domination and rebellion.

The book depicts clashes between Arabs, black Africans (Gallas, Waziri), and white Europeans, often with stereotypical portrayals, but also shows Tarzan transcending these divisions through his unique status as lord of the jungle.