Why is “American” not an option as an ethnic group? Webster’s defines “ethnic” as “…relating to races or large groups of people classed according to common traits and customs.” Isn’t that what American’s are: many people in groups by common interests and traditions. Shouldn’t anyone born in America be able to classify him or herself as such, and then be allowed the option to classify him or herself further by race (physical traits due to ancestry)?

In Optional Ethnicities: For Whites Only, Mary C. Waters st

In Eric Liu’s essay, Notes of a Native Speaker, he classifies American as “white.” (612) He chose several ways that he considers himself “white.” (612) These ways show a common set of beliefs, traditions, and customs that many (if not all) American’s hold dear. (Liu 612) He describes himself as “hardworking,” “ambitious,” not too ethnic,” and with an expectation of being heard. (612) “I was raised, in short, to assimilate, to claim this place to be mine.” (Liu 614) He goes on to say that he wasn’t told to “be American.” (614) His parents had high expectations, and trusted that he would succeed. (614) He did succeed by “following their example and navigating by the lights of the culture that had encircled” him like a “dome.” (614) Throughout his article, he describes his journey toward becoming more American. This journey goes to prove that he viewed American as an ethnic group, as defined by Webster. It makes one question which box this author would check when filling out an application.

Waters also feels that White-American’s have the opportunity to choose their “ethnicity,” where others may not have so much freedom. (643) One of the options are (1) whether to claim a specific ancestry or claim being just “American.” Another option is (2) which of the European lineages they choose to classify themselves with. (643) The problem with option number one is that she is giving “American” as a choice where it is not an option in most contexts.

Some topics in this essay:
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