Assignment: Thoughts on "American" Ethnicity
Read the blog, "Is there an American ethnicity?" and answer the following questions:
1. Does the historical fact that some early immigrant groups (German, Irish, and Italian) were originally labeled as "non-whites" in the census, yet are now regarded as "white", support the idea that the term "white" is an ethnic (cultural) term rather than a biological (racial) category? Why or why not?
2. Is the definition of "ethnicity" given in this blog similar to the definition given in your textbook?
3. Do you agree with the author's observation about what is behind recent rhetoric about preserving American values and culture in the face of continuing immigration?
4. Can you relate to the blogger's multi-ethnic family history? Do you identify with a particular ethnic group?
5. How would you describe an "American" ethnicity, in terms of shared customs, beliefs, etc.?