...Why is the study of race and ethnic relations important in multi-cultural societies? Many people use the terms race and ethnicity interchangeably, however the distinction must be made. Wilkinson (1993) defines the term, race as “a category of persons who are related by a common heredity or ancestry and who are perceived and responded to in terms of external features or traits,” whereas ethnicity often refers to “a shared culture and lifestyle.” It must be noted that race is social construct rather than biological concept. The fact remains that different societies construct different systems of race classifications and these systems change over time. Ethnic group maybe distinguished on the basis of language, form of family, structure and role of the family members, religious beliefs and customs, forms of artistic expression such as music and dance and national origin. Two individuals with the same racial identity may have different ethnicity for example a black American and a black Jamaican have different culture or ethnic backgrounds. Equally, two individuals with the same ethnic background may identify with different race example Hispanic maybe black or white. In a multicultural society, when society is studied it may be discovered how races and ethnic groups are treated or how they should be treated. The disparity between the ideal and the normal occurrence will allow us to see how the society functions. It would then be impossible to study the society without emphasizing...
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...Introduction Italian immigrants migrated into the US together with many of their Europeans neighbors. When they first came to US most of the migrants had a very hard life. Arriving in a new country, the Italian migrants mostly had very little money and had no idea of their new place apart from US being the land of opportunity. The lack of resources and contacts in the new country prompted many of these immigrants to settle down in the place the first set down. These immigrants came from various parts of Italy they were scattered all around the US. This paper will look at the common menu of those Italian migrants and look at how it has involved in the community that is now known as the Italian-American. This essay will mainly try to address the significant issues of the process of ethnic identity. This paper will argue that the role of family is very important in advocating ethnic identity. The influence of a very rigid and traditional family institution helped the Italian immigrants whom in the end were known as Italian American to maintain their identity. This is fascinating because despite undergoing changes from generations to generations their tradition is still very much alive and important to them. The paper will further argue this point by looking, the transmission of ethnic consciousness amongst the Italian American. Last but not least we will look at the maintenance of ethnic group boundaries and most importantly, the role of food in such process...
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...Introduction Italian immigrants migrated into the US together with many of their Europeans neighbors. When they first came to US most of the migrants had a very hard life. Arriving in a new country, the Italian migrants mostly had very little money and had no idea of their new place apart from US being the land of opportunity. The lack of resources and contacts in the new country prompted many of these immigrants to settle down in the place the first set down. These immigrants came from various parts of Italy they were scattered all around the US. This paper will look at the common menu of those Italian migrants and look at how it has involved in the community that is now known as the Italian-American. This essay will mainly try to address the significant issues of the process of ethnic identity. This paper will argue that the role of family is very important in advocating ethnic identity. The influence of a very rigid and traditional family institution helped the Italian immigrants whom in the end were known as Italian American to maintain their identity. This is fascinating because despite undergoing changes from generations to generations their tradition is still very much alive and important to them. The paper will further argue this point by looking, the transmission of ethnic consciousness amongst the Italian American. Last but not least we will look at the maintenance of ethnic group boundaries and most importantly, the role of food in such process. Overall...
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...Question 1 Section 1 1.1 – P1 – US has maintained a certain degree of dominance in the region that has ensured some degree of regional stability. P2 – A fundamental branch of Chinese soft power and a cornerstone of the Beijing consensus is the multilateralism that characterizes China’s shifting diplomacy. P3 – The rise of East Asian multilaterals in the wake of the Asian financial crisis and the formation of new regional bodies, such as ASEAN +3, has been a direct response to the failures of APEC and the IMF. Conclusion – The harmonious engagement of regional actors in multilateral frameworks has significant capacity to contribute to regional stability, rendering Washington’s role as an extra regional balancer redundant. The rise of a unified East Asia will undoubtedly recalibrate regional security arrangements. 1.2 – The US is a regional balancer due to its hub-and-spoke system. Many theories support this such as hegemonic stability theory, which priorities unipolarity challenges from disputing the status quo but with the failure of IMF and China’s diplomacy shift, China has a more active role with the region becoming more influenced by Beijing Consensus. Regional collaboration has increased with ASEAN +3 of Japan, China, and South Korea. This shows a power shift away from the hub-and-spoke alliance system (Ward, Alex. 2013). Section 2 US will not be the indispensable power in East Asia in the time to come as they are slowly losing their power because ASEAN +3 are...
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...RACIAL ETHNIC RELATIONS THROUGHOUT US HISTORY Race is defined as “primarily a social constructed category based on a physical criteria.” An ethnic group is defined as “a social category of people who share a common culture.” The United States is made up of many people of different races and ethnic groups. Many people call the US a “melting pot” because of the many races and cultures that come here in the country. Over the years, names of these races and ethnic groups have changed. In 1890, African Americans were called Black, Mulatto, Quadroon, or Octoroon. In the 1930s, they were called Negros. In 1890, Native Americans were called Indians. In 1960 they were called American Indians, Aleut, and Eskimos. In 2000, they were called Alaskan Natives. In 1890 Asian Americans were called Chinese & Japanese. In 1930 they were called Filipino, Hindu, and Koreans. In 1980 Asian Indians and Vietnamese were added to describe Asian Americans. In 1930 Mexicans, Hawaiian, Asian and Pacific Islanders, Samoan, Guamanian, Hispanics, Latinos, Haitians were added to the Census to describe various races and ethnic groups. Throughout history, many races and ethnic groups had to deal with prejudice and racial discrimination. For example, Africans came from Africa and were enslaved and treated unjustly by being sold, whipped and beaten. After the Emancipation Proclamation given by President Lincoln, slaves were to be freed, but even though they were freed, they were treated unfairly by not...
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...throughout our history has helped me to see how much we have evolved. Even fifty years ago, American society was much less integrated than it is now. Although racism still exists in contemporary America, it is to a much lesser degree than it was back then. We have certainly come a long way as a society in terms of diversification and acceptance. Ethnic groups are the patchwork of our society. Each and every one of us has descended from ancestors of various ethnicities. Learning about the history of discrimination among several ethnic groups, I have learned that my ancestors have faced forms of discrimination as well. I now can better understand and relate to experiencing forms of prejudice or discrimination. I have also learned a few other things about my ethnic and cultural history in this class. I have learned that my two major ethnic backgrounds, German and Irish, both often share a common religion. Catholicism, in which I was raised, is a very common religion of both Irish and German people. These ethnic groups like many others continue to shape and pave the way for our future. Our society is a melting pot of many different cultures and ethnicities. One of the largest groups of people who immigrate to the United States is those who are of a Hispanic/Latino background. As this trend continues, I predict that by 2050, the Hispanic population will become the majority population. This is significant because, throughout all of American history, Whites have been the predominant...
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...Unit 5 Introduction to Humanities Individual Project HUMA215-1101B- Cultural Artifact Artifacts of our own cultures surround us. From art and music to architecture and literature, from philosophy and religion to laws and economics, we live among cultural artifacts that have deep roots. (American Intercontinental University, 2013). An artifact is an item of culture that represents deep traditions and customs. The single artifact that I believe represents the culture that I live in today is the United States Flag. The US flag consists of 13 horizontal stripes which represent the original 13 colonies. The stripes are alternating red and white stripes: 7 red and 6 white stripes. The stars on the flag are symbolic of the 50 states of the union. The colors on the flag are also significant. The color red represents hardiness and valor. The color white represents purity and innocence. The color blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice. All of the colors represent the US struggle to fight for independence, justice, and equality for all people. (USA Flag Site, 2012) The United States flag relates to the values and beliefs of the US culture because it represents unity. The US flag in itself is symbolic of the unity of the 50 states. The United States flag is a source of pride and inspiration to many US citizens because of the bearing on the historical roots. For many the United States is also a symbol that represents equality and justice for all. The United...
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...equal right to be who they were born to be? When it comes to culture, race or ethnicity, can every individual express themselves without being judged? The answer to these questions would vary based on if ethnic hierarchy, one way assimilation, cultural pluralism, or group separatism were being discussed. Ethnic Hierarchy is when some racial groups think that they are better or held on a higher pedestal then other ethnic or racial groups. For example back in slavery times, African Americans were looked at the inferior racial group. One Way Assimilation is when an individual or group from another culture adapts to one dominant culture as well as that culture’s traditions of that society. The goal of assimilation is to have equality so that everyone can be on one accord. For Instance, many immigrants came from other parts of the world to America. They had to adapt to the American society. For example, when Chinese people came to the US they had to learn a second language. If they did not, no one would understand what they are saying when they start talking. One way assimilation allows everyone to communicate with one another without any miscommunication. Cultural Pluralism is completely different from the first two models of ethnic relations. In this model it states that everyone can be who they want to be, in other words it celebrates all the differences among different cultures. Group Separatism is known when ethnic groups remove themselves from the American society. They remove...
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... * Matched-Guise Technique research methodology used to measure people’s attitudes towards a speaker based solely on speech style, it suggests that how speak can affect how others evaluate us * Ethno linguistic theory an application & extension of social identity theory that deals with language behaviour * Language and speech style is one of the most distinct and clear markers of ethnic identity * People will either accentuate or de-emphasis their ethnic language depending to what extent they view their ethnic identity as being a source of self-respect and pride What motivates us to learn a second language? How can the challenge of adapting to a host culture be eased for an immigrant group? * These days second language-acquisition is not simply a recreational activity is a vital necessity for survival. * Integration – people maintain their ethnic culture and relate to the dominant culture * Assimilation – people give up their ethnic culture and wholeheartedly embrace the dominant culture * Separation – people maintain their ethnic culture and isolate themselves from the dominant culture * Marginalism – people give up their ethnic culture and fail to related proper to the dominant culture How does non-verbal communication help to inform us about another person? * Non-verbal communication: The process of communication by means other than verbal language. Gaze, facial expression, posture etc. * Our facial expressions can...
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...beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. Diversity is valued because it is through our differences that we are great. I think it is important to explore our differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. I also think diversity should be valued because they enrich a society because they allow people to experience different thinking processes, to see that there is more than one way of approaching issues or living one's life. 2. What is ethnocentrism? In what ways can ethnocentrism be detrimental to a society? Ethnocentrism is the evaluation of other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standards and customs of one's own culture. An example of this is how we talk about written Hebrew as reading "backward." Why not just say "from right to left". Ethnocentrism is detrimental to a society because it leads us to make premature judgments. It also leads us to make false assumptions about cultural differences. 3. Define emigration and immigration. Emigration is defined as leaving a country to settle in another. If you emigrate, you leave your own country and go to live permanently in another country. People who emigrate are called emigrants. The act of emigrating is called emigration. These words are less frequent than immigrant and immigration. Immigration is defined as coming into the new country. If you immigrate to a country, you go to live in that country permanently. 4. What are some of the ways groups of people...
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...Appendix D Part I Define the following terms: |Term |Definition | |Ethnic group |A group set apart from others because of its national origin or distinctive cultural patterns. | |Anti-Semitism |Hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group. | |Islamophobia |Fear or hatred of Muslims, their culture, or their politics. | |Xenophobia |Fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners or of anything that is strange or foreign. | |Persecution |The act or practice of persecuting, harassing, or annoying those who differ in origin, religion, or | | |social outlook. | |Religious group |A collection of individuals who share a unified system of sacred beliefs and practices that encompass | | |elements beyond everyday life that inspire awe, respect, and even fear. | Part II Select at least 1 religious and 1 ethnic/racial group not your own from the list below. • Religious groups (based on http://religions.pewforum.org/pdf/affiliations-all-traditions.pdf) o Christianity • Evangelical...
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...you use. 1. What is diversity? Why is diversity valued? Diversity is the condition of having or being composed of differing elements, variety, especially the inclusion of different types of people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization. (http://www.merriam-webster.com ) I think diversity is valued because it gives everyone the opportunity to being themselves and create groups or organizations to be with others who share the same interest. 2. What is ethnocentrism? In what ways can ethnocentrism be detrimental to a society? Ethnocentrism is judging another culture solely by the values and standards of one's own culture. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnocentrism) I think that ethnocentrism can be detrimental to a society in many ways; first it can make people judge before they actually know what is going on. We can think wrong of certain people and then we decide not to get to know them because we judged before we tried to get to know them. This can harm anyone and make us not like each other and create hate towards each other 3. Define emigration and immigration. Emigration is leaving a country to be another country. Immigration is coming into a new country to become permanent resident. ( Racial and ethnic groups, Richard T. Schaefer ). 4. What are some of the ways groups of people are identified? There are many ways people are identified and they could be misidentified. We tend to identify people by their physical traits, religion...
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...about her heritage, as she came from a mixture of various cultures. She also expresses her identity as an American. This poem is truly about cultural diversity and the effort to determine the writer’s ethnicity. The poem is interesting and intriguing and leaves the readers pondering over their own ethnic identity. The author is saying that; Yes I maybe one race but all races live within me and around me. In this paper, I will be identifying figurative language, as well as an example of symbolism and imagery that I found interesting. One might find confusion with trying to determine what cultural background Morales should associate herself with. She is a product of many ethnicities passed down her family lineage and that of the United States of America, where she has grown up. She has the opportunity to be any ethnicity and culture that she wants; Spanish, Jewish or American. She can speak Spanish or English or even mix the two languages. (Morales, 1986). “I speak English with passion: it’s the tongue of my consciousness, a flashing knife blade of crystal, my tool, my craft.” (Morales, 1986) Morales uses figurative language in the form of a metaphor. She relates her spoken language to that of a crystal bladed knife. Crystals are one of the most sought after rare materials and are very valuable. “…born into this continent at a crossroads” (Morales, 1986), is the symbolism that provides an image of where each culture meets. Morales was created right in the middle, making her...
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...class or whatever else is seemingly more important. It is quite impossible to go throughout life without forming an idea of who you are or where you have come whether you care to make it a part of your daily life, have no choice or acknowledge it when it is convenient; without that knowledge I find it difficult to fully make the most of life. Through the readings from the semester and class discussions I have come to the conclusion that White ethnics choose to either assert their ethnicities thickly or thinly, or they chose to incorporate it into their lives symbolically. Blacks on the other side of the spectrum lack choice in their racial identity because their race is visible and so it is assigned to them. Asians have both the ability to choose to assert their specific ethnicities but they are racially assigned. The issue with racial and ethnic construction is that it is born of social construction-what others believe of your race to be true. This can make the identity construction process much more difficult depending upon your racial or ethnic background. Regardless, I find this to be an important part of the identity construction journey. How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone. These words were spoken by the infamous French fashion designer, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. In America today, these words could not ring truer in the subject of identity. “Who am I?”, “Where do I come from?” All questions of self reflection which undoubtedly...
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...A Stranger Among Us A Stranger Among Us is a movie that displays many aspects of ethnicity, and how many different groups of people interact and adapt to each other’s difference. There is a murder and a detective named Emily Eden has to place herself into a Jewish community to help solve this murder. In the film there is several groups displayed and many different perspectives, along with an ethnic neighborhood and lots of learning about the Hasidic culture, and Detective Eden made some crucial mistakes in unraveling the murder. Also, this is a movie that is beneficial to everyone in our class. The groups in the film are not only ethnic groups but also groups involving occupations. There are two main ethnic groups that interact in the movie, Caucasian American and those of the ethnic neighborhood of Hasidim; who have a hard time getting along at first, but eventually work out their differences. The two groups involving occupations are the police, and either the mafia or the mob – these two groups are key because the police help solve the case, and the mob is wrongly accused and killed because of the case. The perspective present in the film I believe is an outsider’s perspective, someone who does not know much about the Hasidic culture. This includes the audience watching the film because they are able to get a feel for how the Hasidim live, but also this includes the police characters in the movie; Eden’s life is changed by her experience in the film, and Levine and other...
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