This is really a complex issue, whether "mixing" waters down one's race. On one hand, I would say yes. For example, I am categorized as being "white." An racial term that I believe does not really mean anything. How can I have majority German decent with no Irish decent, and another individual have majority Irish decent and no German decent, and we both are considered "white" when German and Irish cultures are completely different? Moreover, along with German decent, I also have Native, English, Swedish, Scottish decent, and possibly more (to my knowledge). However, since I am fifth generation American, I identify with these races, but do not have much knowledge or ties to their cultures. My cultural identity is American. Therefore, the more "watered" down races become, the less and less individuals are able to identify or have strong ties with all of their racial decents.
While on the other hand, I say no. As stated in the video by one of the students, it probably does depend upon how close one is to each side of their racial decent families. The more one is familiar and close to their families, the more likely one is able to identify with and connect to that racial side. Therefore, having knowledge and strong ties with all or most of their racial cultures will allow a person to establish an identity, and feel connected to those racial sides.
Inevitably, I believe another issue to consider when posing a question such as this is: How important is it to know and understand your family racial and cultural history in order for future generations to feel connected to each part of themselves or establish an identity?
This is really a complex issue, whether "mixing" waters down one's race. On one hand, I would say yes. For example, I am categorized as being "white." An racial term that I believe does not really mean anything. How can I have majority German decent with no Irish decent, and another individual have majority Irish decent and no German decent, and we both are considered "white" when German and Irish cultures are completely different? Moreover, along with German decent, I also have Native, English, Swedish, Scottish decent, and possibly more (to my knowledge). However, since I am fifth generation American, I identify with these races, but do not have much knowledge or ties to their cultures. My cultural identity is American. Therefore, the more "watered" down races become, the less and less individuals are able to identify or have strong ties with all of their racial decents.
ReplyDeleteWhile on the other hand, I say no. As stated in the video by one of the students, it probably does depend upon how close one is to each side of their racial decent families. The more one is familiar and close to their families, the more likely one is able to identify with and connect to that racial side. Therefore, having knowledge and strong ties with all or most of their racial cultures will allow a person to establish an identity, and feel connected to those racial sides.
Inevitably, I believe another issue to consider when posing a question such as this is: How important is it to know and understand your family racial and cultural history in order for future generations to feel connected to each part of themselves or establish an identity?
~Melissa