The concept of ethnic identity varies significantly between Whites and non-Whites in America, with Whites enjoying a unique flexibility in how they choose to identify. Whites can select specific European ancestries or opt for a broader "
An ethnic identity is determined by attributes such as skin color, texture of hair, color eyes, height place of birth, language, and origins of parents ancestry.
"ethnic identities are a subset of identity categories in which eligibility for membership is determined by attributes associated with, or believed to be associated with, descent"(Chandra, 2022)
Inside the mind of White America
Ethnic Miracle-
Immigration laws have always favored the preservation of Whiteness in America
As a result of political, social and economic changes in society over time, European Whites were no longer perceived to be a minority and were absorbed into the dominant majority class.
College campus life is experienced through the social constructs of race and ethnicity
"If your understanding of your own ethnicity and its relationship to society and politics is one of individual choice, it becomes harder to understand the need for programs like affirmative action, which recognize the ongoing need for group struggle and group recognition, in order to bring about social change" (Waters, 206)
Symbolic Ethnicity
"An example of symbolic ethnicity is individuals who identify as Irish, for example, on occasions such as Saint Patrick's Day, on family holidays, or for vacations. They do not usually belong to Irish American Organizations, live in Irish neighborhoods, work in Irish jobs or marry other Irish people" (Waters, 200).
It makes the assumption that all ethnic groups are equal and therefore ignores the fact that ethnic identity is not voluntary nor does it come without a cost. The experiences of Whites and Non-whites are vastly distinct due to the history of overt discriminaton.
"Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and American Indians do not have the option of symbolic ethnicity" (Waters, 200)
Only permitted for White Americans of European Origins
Conclusion: "The option of choosing how to present yourself on surveys and in everyday societal conditions exists for Whites because of social changes and societal conditions that have created a great deal of social mobility, immigrant assimilation, and political and economic power for Whites in the United States" (Waters, 199).
Ethnic Identity
Research Question- Why are ethnic identities optional only for Whites?
Whites can ethnically identified as:
Specific European Ancestry such as: Italian, Irish, British, Russian
