It's a little uncomfortable to be asked this question because there are multiple answers and I don't know which answer is needed. I'm not sure if I should list off the countries that my family members are from, or if I should talk about my personal upbringing. Am I just American? It's also odd because it's a question which, once asked, puts up walls. The person that's being asked the question could feel isolated and once they answer it could be worse. What if they have a very different background from the person asking. Is that going to cause problems. Another thing is that it doesn't seem like a relevant question. It's a personal question which has no place in a normal conversation.
Yes, I am comfortable answering this question in a class blog. I am comfortable answering it, because I accept my ethnicities and I am comfortable with them. If I was asked this question a few years ago, I would have been concerned if someone made a negative comment; however, I’m mature enough to know what comments I should let affect me, and what comments I should disregard. I have learned that ethnicity isn't just a skin color or culture, and that many people stereotype people by their ethnicities, when in fact your ethnicity doesn’t determine you personally. Also, sadly, many people are nervous to reveal their ethnicity or ethnicities due to others' comments.
I wouldn't say I'm uncomfortable with answering the question, but rather confused because I'm not sure what exactly my ethnicity can be boiled down as. Like Danielle D said up above, are we simply American or does my ethnicity have to do with my heritage and where my grandparents are from? I'm shocked that the definition of ethnicity did not involve the Jewish or Catholic religion because originally I would have thought about whether the fact that I am Jewish is apart of my ethnic background since I am Jewish by bloodline and culture, not religion. Also, does ethnicity equal identity? Or can we identity ourselves without it having to do with our skin color, beliefs, ect.
I wouldnt have a problem answering that question. I know what my ethnicity is and if someone asked me I would tell them. The word ethnicity is a word i dont usually hear or one I would use. I would feel more comfortable if a different word was used though. However, I did learn the official definition of the word enthnicity.
I don't have a problem with answering the question although it is not something I would normally think about answering on a class blog. The word ethnicity has many connotations and meanings depending on what culture you are from. To the western world, the word "ethnic" or "ethnic literature" means something foreign or from a different culture. But I highly doubt that in Columbia or Nigeria for example they refer to their literature as "ethnic". It is their own literature and is equally as important as any American, English, or Russian literature. In that sense, "ethnic" is kind of a marginalizing word.
I don't think that the discomfort that comes from answering that question is from shame or anything like that. The fact is though, that when someone asks you specifically what your ethnicity, sexuality, or religion is, that implies that your answer will matter to them. They may become biased in their dealings with you because they attach importance to your answer. I'd feel uncomfortable because it's a shallow question and it makes me feel like the answer will change how I'm viewed when it shouldn't.
I am a relatively open person, so I am quite comfortable discussing this question in a class blog. I can see as to why it may cause tension among a group of people, but I feel as though people should be proud of their backgrounds and heritage. People should not be grouped together based on matters such as race or religious factors, and that in itself leads to tension. People should instead be judged on their moral character. It is when we are judged on our history and outward appearence that a sense of uneasiness may form and all means of collaboration cease to exist. Ethnicity absolutely had a different definition than I had always thought; the definition in itself can divide. It should instead celebrate the history and diversity of those living on earth.
I am comfortable answering this question on this blog because I am proud of who I am as an individual. I'm an African American female, and understand the struggles, hardship, and success that African Americans have encountered. There is no doubt in my mind that this question would upset me in any way or form because everyone is different in their own way and have special qualities within themselves. The word ethnicity tells me that it is a racial word that differentiates people by the color of their skin. What I learned about ethnicity from this exercise is, ethnicity is not about bringing people together but is very divisive, and that is what bothers me the most because I don't like how people judge you based on your race. Ethnicity is a strong word that affects people in various ways.
I am pretty comfortable answering this question. I feel as though the question can be answered in multiple ways. Some would say they are just American, some would go into their roots of where their grandparents and parents may be from, and some would put religion into the mix. I think the word ethnicity is something that shows how people are different, which is not a bad thing, but may put up some walls for certain people. In my opinion, I think ethnicity should be a word that brings people together. It should be a way to see something different, and relate and connect it to what you are, and also branch out to see what you aren't.
I would have to admit that I would feel uncomfortable answering this question in a class blog or by anyone with whom I am not especially close. It appears to me that the question may illicit a negative response based upon one's answer. I also don't find my ethnicity as a defining quality of who I am as a person. I was not raised to make a bold statement about who I am based upon my ethnicity. I feel that if someone were to ask me about my ethnicity, it would immediately create a distance between the other person and me.
I never really fully understood the definition of "ethnicity." In fact, when Dr. Pruss was listing off the different definitions of the word, I was slightly appalled and only reaffirmed my uneasiness to answer the question when asked. The one word that stood out to me the most was "heathen," which is often used to describe uncivilized people with no set of morals, values, or ethics. It's as if our society really needs the "Barbarians" in order to continue our existence on earth as we know it.
Yes, for the most part, I am comfortable with answering the question of my ethnicity on a class blog. I realize that human-beings are naturally curious creatures, and many individuals ask such questions because they are generally interested in cultures and customs that are diverse from their own. However, it is when someone’s ethnicity is used against them negatively because of one individual’s pre-conceived notions about a particular ethnic group, that tension is then generated. It is unfortunate that part of the reason that some individuals are uncomfortable with revealing their ethnic backgrounds is because the word has taken on such negative meanings. I was literally shocked after seeing the definition of the word “Ethnic” displayed on the board yesterday. Ethnic was a word which I believed I had a general comprehension of; however, I was greatly mistaken. It is not our “ethnicity” that truly matters, but our character. Personal heritage or backgrounds should not determine what makes an individual who they are in society. It is our differences that enable us to stand out amongst a mass of people on a day to day basis, and I feel it is crucial that uniqueness and distinctiveness (whether it be ethnicity, etc.) be valued.
I have to say that i am comfortable with answering these question in a class blog. i did not really know how to answer the question, "what's your ethnicity," But then when Dr. Pruss explained it in class, i would have to say that i am full italian and i am proud of it. However, i was born in America but my family is from Italy. The word ethnicty forms a connection to people who have the same custom and culture and brings people together. After reading Cavafy, waiting for the Barbarians, like james said above, people need Barbarians so they can feel higher than the average person. In our society we are too quick to judge other people because of thier color, culture and so on.
I feel uncomfortable when asked this question because I'm not sure exactly how to answer it. As we discussed in class, the word does not have a black and white meaning. I wonder why certain surveys ask you for your ethnicity. Why does it matter what ethnicity a person is? People should not be judged because of their ethnicity. Before the first class, I assumed that ethnicity meant "race"; however, now I am aware that is has a very complex meaning.
It would be difficult for me to answer this question because I would not have a straight answer. My father was adopted, and is unsure of his heritage. It makes me uncomfortable answering this question, not because I feel that people would judge me, but because I would have to explain that I am not sure exactly where my father’s family came from. However, I do believe that some people would feel uncomfortable because people can be judgmental. After reading the posts, I see how a few other people admit to feeling uncomfortable discussing this answer. This exercise should make us all more conscious of the unfair judgments we sometimes place on the people around us. After hearing the definition of the word in class I believe that the word "ethnicity" is sometimes used as a polite cover-up to group people of the same race together.
I am comfortable publicly answering what my ethnicity is, however, I do not know my full heritage so it may cause an incomplete answer. The fact that I consider myself American, and my mother was adopted, is great reason to cause the answer to this question to be difficult. I would have no problem telling people my ethnicity as long as they were understanding about me not fully knowing the answer. I have learned that this topic isn't one many people are comfortable participating in, although it's a question many people ask thinking it's a good ice breaker. Some people do ask what someone's ethnicity is based on the way they look, which may trigger one's curiosity as to what their background is, which can cause one to be very uneasy.
I always thought of ethnicity as religion and a persons background until the first day of class. I would say that I am comfortable answering what my ethnicity is because I am a confident person. If a person has a high self-esteem and confidence there should be no reason why they could not answer it. Each person comes from a different background with a different heritage and accepting that makes each one of us unique. The world would be very boring if we were all the same so it is important to be aware of others "ethnicity."
I don't know that it's about self esteem. I have high self esteem and I'm not at all ashamed of my heritage. The fact is though, that I want people to want to get to know me, not my ethnicity. While I agree that a part of what makes us unique could be our ethnicity, it's not the only thing, nor is it usually the most important thing. It's a question that might make someone just associate everything you are with your answer. It's a limiting question. I like to think that I'm more than my heritage.
You raise some good points like what is the motive of the question? How dependent is my identity on my racial, religious, cultural roots? What is achieved by your being informed of my cultural heritage? How can we become less suspicious of others and/or why are we suspicious of others?
I'm not uncomfortable answering this question because I feel there are so many possibilities for different answers in this country. I like hearing what ethnicities people are because it can open a whole new spectrum of conversation, like heritage and culture. I believe that people should be more open with these things because then people who have issues or suspicion with different heritages can realize although we may have some differences human nature is pretty universal, no matter what country you're from or what race or religion you may be.
So basically I think with education, and the drive to learn and listen people could become less suspicious and close minded about people of different backgrounds. In most cases children get their views and morals from their parents. At school children have the potential to learn and form their own ideas, if more culture related topics were discussed in school they could learn that that different heritages aren't so different.
I am not uncomfortable answering this question on a blog today, but would have been no more than a year ago. It has taken me some time to gain the confidence to be happy with who I am racially speaking. I am Mexican American. Being half White and half Mexican was very difficult for me growing up because I never fully fit into either catagory, was made fun of by my classmates when young, and looked different from both races. My Latina family subtly criticized me for not speaking good Spanish, for having an intellectual attitude rather than a more mexican emotional attitude (Something that is hard to explain but Mexicans take pride in the "way they are"--strong, aggressive, romantic,etc.). On the other hand, my father believed the opposite of me that I was too emotional and angry like my mexican family. Recently i've met some women like me, mexican americans, and they've had such similar experiences. I find it so strange.
I can see why asking what someone's ethnicity is could be uncomfortable. A lot people don't like being labeled as what their race infers them to be. There are all these connotations each race has, usually some good and some bad, but just because we are that ethnic background does not mean we are anything like what our race can connote to someone. Sometimes when asked what my ethnic background I feel instantly profiled. Part of this may be human nature and the need we feel to judge others. However, especially in our world today being so global, I think it's becoming more and more apparent(at least I hope)that it isn't race that matters but the individual and who they are at heart.
It's a little uncomfortable to be asked this question because there are multiple answers and I don't know which answer is needed. I'm not sure if I should list off the countries that my family members are from, or if I should talk about my personal upbringing. Am I just American?
ReplyDeleteIt's also odd because it's a question which, once asked, puts up walls. The person that's being asked the question could feel isolated and once they answer it could be worse. What if they have a very different background from the person asking. Is that going to cause problems.
Another thing is that it doesn't seem like a relevant question. It's a personal question which has no place in a normal conversation.
Yes, I am comfortable answering this question in a class blog. I am comfortable answering it, because I accept my ethnicities and I am comfortable with them. If I was asked this question a few years ago, I would have been concerned if someone made a negative comment; however, I’m mature enough to know what comments I should let affect me, and what comments I should disregard. I have learned that ethnicity isn't just a skin color or culture, and that many people stereotype people by their ethnicities, when in fact your ethnicity doesn’t determine you personally. Also, sadly, many people are nervous to reveal their ethnicity or ethnicities due to others' comments.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say I'm uncomfortable with answering the question, but rather confused because I'm not sure what exactly my ethnicity can be boiled down as. Like Danielle D said up above, are we simply American or does my ethnicity have to do with my heritage and where my grandparents are from? I'm shocked that the definition of ethnicity did not involve the Jewish or Catholic religion because originally I would have thought about whether the fact that I am Jewish is apart of my ethnic background since I am Jewish by bloodline and culture, not religion. Also, does ethnicity equal identity? Or can we identity ourselves without it having to do with our skin color, beliefs, ect.
ReplyDeleteI wouldnt have a problem answering that question. I know what my ethnicity is and if someone asked me I would tell them. The word ethnicity is a word i dont usually hear or one I would use. I would feel more comfortable if a different word was used though. However, I did learn the official definition of the word enthnicity.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a problem with answering the question although it is not something I would normally think about answering on a class blog. The word ethnicity has many connotations and meanings depending on what culture you are from. To the western world, the word "ethnic" or "ethnic literature" means something foreign or from a different culture. But I highly doubt that in Columbia or Nigeria for example they refer to their literature as "ethnic". It is their own literature and is equally as important as any American, English, or Russian literature. In that sense, "ethnic" is kind of a marginalizing word.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that the discomfort that comes from answering that question is from shame or anything like that. The fact is though, that when someone asks you specifically what your ethnicity, sexuality, or religion is, that implies that your answer will matter to them. They may become biased in their dealings with you because they attach importance to your answer. I'd feel uncomfortable because it's a shallow question and it makes me feel like the answer will change how I'm viewed when it shouldn't.
ReplyDeleteI am a relatively open person, so I am quite comfortable discussing this question in a class blog. I can see as to why it may cause tension among a group of people, but I feel as though people should be proud of their backgrounds and heritage. People should not be grouped together based on matters such as race or religious factors, and that in itself leads to tension. People should instead be judged on their moral character. It is when we are judged on our history and outward appearence that a sense of uneasiness may form and all means of collaboration cease to exist. Ethnicity absolutely had a different definition than I had always thought; the definition in itself can divide. It should instead celebrate the history and diversity of those living on earth.
ReplyDeleteI am comfortable answering this question on this blog because I am proud of who I am as an individual. I'm an African American female, and understand the struggles, hardship, and success that African Americans have encountered. There is no doubt in my mind that this question would upset me in any way or form because everyone is different in their own way and have special qualities within themselves. The word ethnicity tells me that it is a racial word that differentiates people by the color of their skin. What I learned about ethnicity from this exercise is, ethnicity is not about bringing people together but is very divisive, and that is what bothers me the most because I don't like how people judge you based on your race. Ethnicity is a strong word that affects people in various ways.
ReplyDeleteI am pretty comfortable answering this question. I feel as though the question can be answered in multiple ways. Some would say they are just American, some would go into their roots of where their grandparents and parents may be from, and some would put religion into the mix. I think the word ethnicity is something that shows how people are different, which is not a bad thing, but may put up some walls for certain people. In my opinion, I think ethnicity should be a word that brings people together. It should be a way to see something different, and relate and connect it to what you are, and also branch out to see what you aren't.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI would have to admit that I would feel uncomfortable answering this question in a class blog or by anyone with whom I am not especially close. It appears to me that the question may illicit a negative response based upon one's answer. I also don't find my ethnicity as a defining quality of who I am as a person. I was not raised to make a bold statement about who I am based upon my ethnicity. I feel that if someone were to ask me about my ethnicity, it would immediately create a distance between the other person and me.
ReplyDeleteI never really fully understood the definition of "ethnicity." In fact, when Dr. Pruss was listing off the different definitions of the word, I was slightly appalled and only reaffirmed my uneasiness to answer the question when asked. The one word that stood out to me the most was "heathen," which is often used to describe uncivilized people with no set of morals, values, or ethics. It's as if our society really needs the "Barbarians" in order to continue our existence on earth as we know it.
Yes, for the most part, I am comfortable with answering the question of my ethnicity on a class blog. I realize that human-beings are naturally curious creatures, and many individuals ask such questions because they are generally interested in cultures and customs that are diverse from their own. However, it is when someone’s ethnicity is used against them negatively because of one individual’s pre-conceived notions about a particular ethnic group, that tension is then generated. It is unfortunate that part of the reason that some individuals are uncomfortable with revealing their ethnic backgrounds is because the word has taken on such negative meanings. I was literally shocked after seeing the definition of the word “Ethnic” displayed on the board yesterday. Ethnic was a word which I believed I had a general comprehension of; however, I was greatly mistaken. It is not our “ethnicity” that truly matters, but our character. Personal heritage or backgrounds should not determine what makes an individual who they are in society. It is our differences that enable us to stand out amongst a mass of people on a day to day basis, and I feel it is crucial that uniqueness and distinctiveness (whether it be ethnicity, etc.) be valued.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that i am comfortable with answering these question in a class blog. i did not really know how to answer the question, "what's your ethnicity," But then when Dr. Pruss explained it in class, i would have to say that i am full italian and i am proud of it. However, i was born in America but my family is from Italy. The word ethnicty forms a connection to people who have the same custom and culture and brings people together. After reading Cavafy, waiting for the Barbarians, like james said above, people need Barbarians so they can feel higher than the average person. In our society we are too quick to judge other people because of thier color, culture and so on.
ReplyDeleteI feel uncomfortable when asked this question because I'm not sure exactly how to answer it. As we discussed in class, the word does not have a black and white meaning. I wonder why certain surveys ask you for your ethnicity. Why does it matter what ethnicity a person is? People should not be judged because of their ethnicity. Before the first class, I assumed that ethnicity meant "race"; however, now I am aware that is has a very complex meaning.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt would be difficult for me to answer this question because I would not have a straight answer. My father was adopted, and is unsure of his heritage. It makes me uncomfortable answering this question, not because I feel that people would judge me, but because I would have to explain that I am not sure exactly where my father’s family came from. However, I do believe that some people would feel uncomfortable because people can be judgmental. After reading the posts, I see how a few other people admit to feeling uncomfortable discussing this answer. This exercise should make us all more conscious of the unfair judgments we sometimes place on the people around us. After hearing the definition of the word in class I believe that the word "ethnicity" is sometimes used as a polite cover-up to group people of the same race together.
ReplyDeleteI am comfortable publicly answering what my ethnicity is, however, I do not know my full heritage so it may cause an incomplete answer. The fact that I consider myself American, and my mother was adopted, is great reason to cause the answer to this question to be difficult. I would have no problem telling people my ethnicity as long as they were understanding about me not fully knowing the answer. I have learned that this topic isn't one many people are comfortable participating in, although it's a question many people ask thinking it's a good ice breaker. Some people do ask what someone's ethnicity is based on the way they look, which may trigger one's curiosity as to what their background is, which can cause one to be very uneasy.
ReplyDeleteI always thought of ethnicity as religion and a persons background until the first day of class. I would say that I am comfortable answering what my ethnicity is because I am a confident person. If a person has a high self-esteem and confidence there should be no reason why they could not answer it. Each person comes from a different background with a different heritage and accepting that makes each one of us unique. The world would be very boring if we were all the same so it is important to be aware of others "ethnicity."
ReplyDeleteI don't know that it's about self esteem. I have high self esteem and I'm not at all ashamed of my heritage. The fact is though, that I want people to want to get to know me, not my ethnicity. While I agree that a part of what makes us unique could be our ethnicity, it's not the only thing, nor is it usually the most important thing. It's a question that might make someone just associate everything you are with your answer. It's a limiting question. I like to think that I'm more than my heritage.
ReplyDeleteYou raise some good points like what is the motive of the question? How dependent is my identity on my racial, religious, cultural roots? What is achieved by your being informed of my cultural heritage? How can we become less suspicious of others and/or why are we suspicious of others?
ReplyDeleteI'm not uncomfortable answering this question because I feel there are so many possibilities for different answers in this country. I like hearing what ethnicities people are because it can open a whole new spectrum of conversation, like heritage and culture. I believe that people should be more open with these things because then people who have issues or suspicion with different heritages can realize although we may have some differences human nature is pretty universal, no matter what country you're from or what race or religion you may be.
ReplyDeleteSo basically I think with education, and the drive to learn and listen people could become less suspicious and close minded about people of different backgrounds. In most cases children get their views and morals from their parents. At school children have the potential to learn and form their own ideas, if more culture related topics were discussed in school they could learn that that different heritages aren't so different.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am not uncomfortable answering this question on a blog today, but would have been no more than a year ago. It has taken me some time to gain the confidence to be happy with who I am racially speaking. I am Mexican American.
ReplyDeleteBeing half White and half Mexican was very difficult for me growing up because I never fully fit into either catagory, was made fun of by my classmates when young, and looked different from both races. My Latina family subtly criticized me for not speaking good Spanish, for having an intellectual attitude rather than a more mexican emotional attitude (Something that is hard to explain but Mexicans take pride in the "way they are"--strong, aggressive, romantic,etc.). On the other hand, my father believed the opposite of me that I was too emotional and angry like my mexican family. Recently i've met some women like me, mexican americans, and they've had such similar experiences. I find it so strange.
I can see why asking what someone's ethnicity is could be uncomfortable. A lot people don't like being labeled as what their race infers them to be. There are all these connotations each race has, usually some good and some bad, but just because we are that ethnic background does not mean we are anything like what our race can connote to someone. Sometimes when asked what my ethnic background I feel instantly profiled. Part of this may be human nature and the need we feel to judge others. However, especially in our world today being so global, I think it's becoming more and more apparent(at least I hope)that it isn't race that matters but the individual and who they are at heart.