Question 1

Because most Americans of European ancestry no longer face ethnic discrimination, they can&#10;A) select which aspects of an ethnic identity they want to recognize, or select none at all.&#10;B) sympathize with people who continue to experience ethnic discrimination.&#10;C) discriminate against others without fear of retribution.&#10;D) &#34;pass&#34; for being any ethnic or racial group they choose, usually picking one

Accepted Answer

Since most Americans of European ancestry no longer face ethnic discrimination, they have the privilege of selecting which aspects of an ethnic identity they want to recognize or not. They can assimilate into mainstream culture or choose to celebrate their heritage.

Question 2

Waters examines a political dimension in ethnic and racial relations revealed in&#10;A) the asymmetry between blacks and whites, in terms of power, education, stereotyping, historical experience, and choice of identity.&#10;B) the laws that control marriage, jobs, and housing.&#10;C) affirmative action, white backlash, and reverse discrimination.&#10;D) racially exclusive organizations, fraternities, and club sports on campus.

Accepted Answer

Waters specifically mentions the power dynamic and historical experiences between blacks and whites, which are political factors that contribute to ethnic and racial relations. The other options touch on political issues as well, but not as directly as the asymmetry between power and historical experiences.

Question 3

In her example of cross-ethnic misunderstanding, Waters describes the different responses to the syndicated column &#34;Dear Abby,&#34; in which a reader wondered why&#10;A) African Americans are seen as outstanding athletes more often than those of other ethnicities.&#10;B) her acquaintance found it rude to be asked, &#34;Where are you from?&#34;&#10;C) her Italian husband didn't like pasta dishes, pizza, or red wine.&#10;D) Chinese- and Japanese-American males rarely intermarry with non-Chinese and

Accepted Answer

Waters describes how a reader wrote to "Dear Abby," wondering why her acquaintance found it rude to be asked "Where are you from?" The reader, who was white, was confused and thought the question was harmless. However, her Asian acquaintance took offense to it because in their cultural context, the question can be interpreted as implying that the person doesn't belong or isn't American. This difference in cultural interpretation led to misunderstandings between the two individuals.

Question 4

According to Herbert Gans, &#34;symbolic ethnicity&#34;&#10;A) influences who people fall in love with.&#10;B) remains hidden from most people, revealed only to intimates such as close friends and family.&#10;C) is the most important of all the things that give us a sense of who we are.&#10;D) has few if any social costs for the individual, but may confer benefits.

Accepted Answer

According to Herbert Gans, "symbolic ethnicity" has few if any social costs for the individual, but may confer benefits. Symbolic ethnicity refers to ethnic identity that is primarily based on cultural elements such as food, music, attire, and holidays rather than on actual biological or geographical ties. People who adopt symbolic ethnicity can reap benefits such as a sense of belonging and pride, without experiencing the negative consequences that can be associated with traditional ethnic identities, such as discrimination or marginalization.

Question 5

Waters's depiction of different college experiences emphasizes which two groups?&#10;A) traditional and nontraditional students such as military veterans and older students&#10;B) black students and white students&#10;C) males and females&#10;D) Asian students and Asian American students

Accepted Answer

The answer of Waters's depiction of different college experiences emphasizes...

Question 6

Waters based a great deal of her analysis of ethnic identities on what source of information?&#10;A) national surveys conducted by the Gallup and Roper polling organizations&#10;B) in-depth interviews with a cross section of Americans&#10;C) the decennial U.S. Census of the Population&#10;D) interviews and surveys conducted in twelve randomly selected countries

Accepted Answer

The decennial U.S. Census of the Population is a comprehensive survey of the American population that collects data on a wide range of topics, including ethnicity. Waters used data from the census to analyze ethnic identities in the United States.

Question 7

According to Waters, ethnicity is&#10;A) a selected characteristic, based on one's (or one's acquaintances') beliefs about who one is.&#10;B) the same thing as ancestry.&#10;C) a fixed characteristic given at birth (based on one's parents' social and economic background).&#10;D) a fixed, ascribed characteristic attached to all people based on identifiable

Accepted Answer

Waters argues that ethnicity is a selected characteristic that is based on one's own beliefs, as well as the beliefs of those around them, about their cultural or national identity. It is not a fixed, ascribed characteristic based solely on one's ancestry or birth.

Deck 23: Mary C Waters, Optional Ethnicities: for Whites Only