Personal Ethnic Identity

Personal Ethnic Identity

My ethnic identity as an African-American man is profoundly founded in the rich tapestry of African-American culture, history, and experiences. My ethnic identity is heavily influenced by language. Ebonics, or African American Vernacular English (AAVE), is a distinct dialect with its vocabulary, grammar, and accent. It is a vital identification marker for me, connecting me to generations of African Americans who have used this dialect for cultural expression and unity. As it symbolizes the perseverance and ingenuity of African Americans throughout history, AAVE carries a sense of kinship and pride.

Another important component of my ethnic identity is culture. African-American culture is vast, containing diverse traditions, music, art, and cuisine (Sandke, 2023). For instance, jazz, blues, and gospel music retain a special place in my heart, acting as a source of inspiration and a connection to my heritage. Juneteenth, which commemorates enslaved African Americans’ emancipation, and Kwanzaa, which honors African cultural ideas, are meaningful cultural touchstones that reaffirm my ethnic identity. These cultural features link me to my past and define my view of the world and my place in it.

African-American customs and traditions also play an essential role in shaping my ethnic identity. For example, family meetings and reunions are crucial to our culture because they allow us to strengthen friendships, share tales, and pass down ancestral wisdom. For instance, graduation, weddings, and promotions are marked by a distinctive blend of cultural rites and ceremonies that represent our history and values. Furthermore, acknowledging difficulties and fighting for social justice, equality, and civil rights are fundamental to my ethnic identity, fueling a sense of duty and commitment to creating a more just and equitable society.

References

Sandke, R. (2023). Where the dark and the light folks meet: Race and the mythology, politics, and business of jazz. Scarecrow Press.

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Ethnic Identity refers to one’s sense of belonging to an ethnic group and the part of one’s thinking, perceptions, feelings, and behavior that is due to ethnic group membership. Ethnic identity is separate from one’s personal identity as an individual, although the two may reciprocally influence each other. For this discussion forum, please discuss your ethnic identity using examples of language, culture, and custom (or anything else that you think has played a role in your ethnic identification). (If more than one ethnicity has shaped your identity, talk about one or both or many).