Quote:
Originally Posted by Drolefille
I've pretty much not been involved in this conversation, but I do take offense to being told exactly who I identify with and such. The idea that you only identify with those inside your own race is stupid, exclusionary, and biased. And the idea that race necessarily tops ethnicity, especially in white people, is equally stupid.
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I don't think anyone's saying who you personally identify with - there's no way any of us could possibly know that. However, in American society, people looking at you will identify you by race before they identify you by ethnicity. That's a fact. It's also a fact that the race they identify you with - white - grants you certain privileges in American society. It's not only a matter of the privileges you choose to exercise or reject, but also inherent privilege involved with being white and being a part of the majority which currently and historically has held the power in this country.
I think one thing that is important to remember, however, is that when ethnicity does become an issue with white people, it can often be perceived negatively. Especially in the case of Italian-Americans, who are often stereotyped and treated unfairly by the media. So I can see how this would be an important issue for you.