Main Concept: Ethnicity

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Main Concept: Ethnicity

What is Ethnicity? From PBS Digital Studios

The video provides a breakdown of how race and ethnicity are distant yet connected. It helps understand the difference between symbolic ethnicity and imposed racial identity as discussed in the article.

Conclusion

White Americans sometimes think all ethnic identities are equal, but that view ignores the real struggles non-White communities deal with because of history and ongoing inequalities. If we want a truly inclusive society, we’ve got to recognize those differences and work to fix them.

Racial Inequality: Symbolic Ethnicity vs. Imposed Identity

Imposed Identity: For non-White groups, ethnicity isn’t optional. It shapes major parts of our lives like where we live, who we can marry, and the jobs we can be able to get (Waters, pg200)

Symbolic Ethnicity: For White Americans, ethnicity is optional and more of a personal choice like celebrating family traditions or holidays, without it affecting their daily lives (Waters, pg200)

Symbolic Ethnicity

An example used is when people claim being Irish for special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day or family holidays. They don’t live in Irish communities or actively engage in Irish culture daily. It's more about media influences (Waters, pg200)

Herbert Gans (1979) came up with the term which is basically when people choose an ethnic identity for personal reasons without it really affecting their daily lives (Waters, pg200)

Definition: A group made up from people who share similar cultural, national, beliefs, languages or descent

"Optional Ethnicity": Allowing Whites of European descent to choose when and how to express their ethnic identity. Others, like Latinos & African Americans lack that freedom due to societal and discrimination

Research Question: What does it mean for ethnicity to be an option for White-Americans?

Whites can choose whether to express a specific ethnic identity or just identify as "White" (Waters, pg199)