Ethnicity and Identity 1

Ethnicity and Identity 1

1. Race

   • Racial Differences refer to biological differences
     • However it has been argued racial differences are socially constructed
   • Too much emphasis on skin colour
     • White minorties
       • Jews, Greeks, Gypies and Irish (all white)
     • Ethnic grouping is deeper then skin colour and hair texture
   • Modood
     • African Caribbeans are more likely to see skin colour as a part of their ethnicity
       • When Southern Asians are more likely to see religion as the key factor
   • Jacobson
     • Young Pakistanis see Islam as key for their identity
       • As it effects many aspects of their life

2. Ethnicity

   • Ethnic groups are complex
     • For example, African Caribbean ethnic group
       • Reference to Africa
         • They may not be fro there (or ever been there)
         • But it is where their ancestors are from
       • With links with the Slave Trade
         • People transported from Western Africa to the Caribbean
           • Hence the term 'African Caribbean'
   • Curtice and Heath
     • 'Little Englanders'
       • Narrow minded people who see 'English' as grounds of skin colour

3. Ethnicity Identity

   • Refers to the idea that people have shared cultural distinctiveness
     • There factors can be influenced by:
       • where people are born
       • where they currently life
       • Ancestry
   • Modood
     • Culture is key for identity
       • As it will effect their: langauge, diet, religion, traditions and values
   • Attachment to others and a sense of pride
     • Ethnicity identity can overlap with national identity
       • For example, Scottish, Welsh, Northern English and Southern English
   • Ethnic identity can be expressed
     • For example the way people dress, Scottish wear kilts
   • Mason
     • Many white people do not seem themselves with an ethnicity
       • This leads to assumpations and judgement on ethnic minorities
       • 'us' vs 'them'
   • Discrimination
     • Different Forms
       • For example the educational systerm
         • Institutional racist
         • White teachers struggle to cope with African Caribbean boys and how they express their ethnic identity
           • Explains why Cari-Afro boys are more likely then any other ethnic group to be excluded from school

4. African Caribbean Identities

   • Age and class can influence an Afro-cari identity
     • Life styles are different to white people
     • culture and customs can impact identity
       • way of speaking/dialect
     • Expressive culture
       • Notting Hill Carnival
   • Gilroy
     • Afro-Cari have made big contributions to popular culture
       • Dance, music and fashion
     • No single black culture/ identity. But there are common themes
       • Awareness of a common history (Slavery)
   • 'Art' of being black
     • Alexander
       • different ways of being black
       • Creating this identity is an 'art'
         • effecting: style, music, even walking and talking