Ethnic Identity

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The “us versus them” mentality, the idea of separating ourselves from others is something introduced to us as early as birth. We, or rather society, develop traits that pertain to a group to establish a sense of self identity and a sense of belonging in the social world ranging from race, culture, gender, or religion. In multicultural societies, social identities can often collide and lead to arguments regarding race discrimination and other topics alike. As defined in in the book Invitation to Psychology, ethnic identity is the close identification of a person to a racial or ethnic group (350). Following the idea of ethnic identity is “process by which members of minority groups come to identify with and feel part of mainstream culture,” acculturation …show more content…
The United States, for example, continues to be described as a melting pot despite the reality that white privilege is still prevalent in society today. With that fact, I believe many Americans like to use the term “melting pot” as a way to romanticize diversity without truly acknowledging the purpose and power of becoming a more homogenous society. Thus the metaphor of a “melting pot” dismisses racism, discrimination, and prejudice as a temporary problem of this transitionary period in the process of becoming more homogenous. As each culture or ethnic identity is “melted together” than the prevalence of racism, discrimination and etc is to fade away for all groups. But, history shows that Americans, especially those of privileged status, do not welcome the idea of assimilation and often fear it. For example, the post 9/11 culture of fear that swept the US towards individuals with Middle Eastern heritage or affiliation, also know as Islamophobia. These mentalities of fear towards certain ethnic groups show that America faces chronic issues of discrimination and not a temporary one. This is why we must stop framing these issues in a historical context, but rather the modern implication of historical
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