Question

"Optional Ethnicities: For Whites Only?" Mary C. Waters
Mary Waters explores the difference in ethnic identities experienced by White and non-White ethnic and racial groups. Waters asserts that White ethnics are able to decide if, and what part of, their ethnic ancestry they want to claim. For White ethnics, theirs is a symbolic ethnicity, one which is individually designed and only serves to benefit White ethnics. Non-White groups do not have the same choice regarding their ethnic identities because the physical distinctions of these groups denies the choice. As a result, Waters argues, non-White ethnic group members are unable to avoid the negative experiences associated with being a member of an ethnic/racial minority group. Because White ethnics view their own ethnicities as voluntarily acquired and since those aspects of their ethnicity which are not beneficial to them are ignored, White ethnics do not recognize the involuntary nature of non-White ethnicities, nor do they identify with the racial oppression experienced by these groups. Waters points out that this understanding results in problematic race relations which can be seen on college campuses around the country. Waters argues that a cultural pluralistic society can only be achieved once the dynamics and consequences of ethnic identity are recognized by individuals and within social institutions.
According to "Optional Ethnicities: For Whites Only?," social scientists consider ethnicity primarily a:
a. belief in a common ancestry.
b. social phenomenon.
c. biological phenomenon.
d. matrilineal phenomenon.

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