Why do some people refuse to identify themselves as a race and just use their nationality?

Question

This gets on my nerves. I know Greeks and Italians who refuse to say they are white, instead saying they are Greek or Italian. Like white people don't come in a variety of colors like any other race does. I even know someone who is mixed with black and whenever someone asks him what nationality he is he says 'black and Italian'. So I'm like 'So you are black and white?' And he says, "No I'm black and Italian'. Since when does one country get to use their nationality as their race? If that's the case, I'm not white I'm German and Irish!

OK so if they are filling out a form and they have to check race, they can't say black or hispanic so are they forced to check white?

Answer 1

There's nothing wrong with a white person describing themselves by their ethnicity, and it doesn't mean they're in denial about being white (although plenty people are uneducated). It all depends how in touch they are with their heritage. White is a broad stroke for many different people and as far as cultures go, a Greek is a lot different from an Irish and an Italian is a lot different from a Jew. If an obviously white person is asked "what they are", they probably figure you're referring to their ethnicity because you already know they're white. On the other hand, when an ambiguous looking white person is asked what they are, the person who is asking expects you to be specific and won't be satisfied with hearing "white". I should know because I get this all the time. I'm Italian & Irish but some people think I'm Hispanic or Indian because of my skin tone, hair texture and cheek bone structure. Most blacks don't refer to themselves this way, probably because they don't even know their origin, due to the fact they carry on Anglo slavetrader surnames (i.e. Jackson & Johnson) instead of African names, but if they wanted to refer to themselves as Nigerian or Ethiopian instead of just "black", I would applaud them for knowing their history.

Answer 2

I can kind of see your point, especially on the "black and Italian" example. People tend to identify themselves with specific European countries, but not with specific African countries.

I'm sure there's a variety of reasons, including the manner in which people from different countries came here. Africa is a continent, not a country, but I hardly ever hear anyone referring to which country their ancestors came from. Probably because they don't know. There was a systematic effort by colonizers to make people forget their history, convert them to Christianity, and "civilize them." It's the same reason a lot of white people claim Native heritage, but can't prove it. They probably do have Native heritage, but are a result of the government's forced integration of the tribes into white society.

BUT, personally I think race is a fallacy. I don't care what color your skin is, it doesn't determine who you are and may not necessarily reflect where you come from. I personally believe you should identify with your culture. Race is just a phenotypic expression of genes, nothing more, nothing less.

Answer 3

a. There is a stigma associate with being white. Call it resentment or call it white folks did some very stupid things back in the day. Saying your nationality takes away the “I think I’m superior because I’m white” tone that was accustomed (and still is). I’m white looking (barely have an accent) so people automatically assume I’m white. To which I always clarify. I’m puertorrican. So that makes meHispanic. But did you know that they actually have a box to check if you are Puertorrican on applications and stuff?. Like we are another race. So I can’t say I’m Hispanic or Latina. I have to say I’m puertorrican. America has forced me to. Just like “she” forces people to stay away from the WASP notion of being well white.

plus its cool to say I'm greek!

Answer 4

Race is a social construct, an imaginary label that we place on ourselves. Its based on perceived physical features. But race is a fallacy. After 9/11 some Indians and Northern Africans were victims of retaliatory hate crimes, only because they were mistaken for being 'Middle Eastern'.
Possibilities for prejudice exist as long we still see people's differences in terms of skin color and hair texture. If we look at someone and think; "oh, shes black" instead of; "oh, shes cute" then we still have work to do.
In the mean time, i'm alot more fond of peoples ethnic differences, which are based on culture and traditions. There are alot more possibilities for someone to see the beauty in a member of the Lakota tribe vs. an 'indian'.

Answer 5

You have been brainwashed by the media which chooses to clasify human beings, which are the same race mind you, in terms of color. Italians and Greeks are not white. They are tanned skin and there are no people on earth that are white. There are no black people either. There are different shades of brown. There are no yellow people or red people. Grow up already!

And another thing. It is because of people like you that racism flurishes. If you had respect for people and would ask them what nationality they are rather than what color they are there wouldn't be this superior attitude towards different ethnicities.

Answer 6

People do not like people who are at all different from them. That includes more than just different race and/or nationality but also religion, and even class. I have experienced what you are speaking of. I think any global effort be it the UN or the Olympics should be fostered since it is our only hope

Answer 7

The united states started this whole race thing, other countries dont go by that. To be honest there is only one "race" and that is the human race, ask me how i know, because i studied sociology for 4 years. Race was put into account here in america when it came to color of skin, it was a seperation tool used way back.

Answer 8

Because race is not a biological construct. It's a social falicy and you're not German or Irish unless you're living in either of those countries. You're American as is your friend unless he's living in Italy. I think it's time to cut the leading strings to the "old countries."

Answer 9

Being white suggests that you are from England suggesting that you are British.
So if I was Italian and Black and I said I'm white and black, you would assume that to mean I am mixed race. You probably would never consider that I was Italian.

Or if I was polish for instance and said I was just white, you may assume me to be just white and never even know that I am Polish. Its just different. Peopel want to give reason as to why they're not just white.

Answer 10

I realized after I wrote this that it doesn't exactly answer your question but...

One problem is the terms that are used. "Native American" implies that one group is more deserving to be here than another. My Mom always gripes "How long does your family need to be here before you are considered "native?"

"African American" is also confusing. I used to date an Egyptian that is now an American citizen. Technically he should be an "African American" but he isn't black. Conversely, Australian Aborigines that move to America are black, but not African American.

Finally asking promotes divisiveness. If race doesn't matter, then why do we still ask? Even if the point is to promote diversity, why is it considered more important than other differences like Religion, social status, or country of origin?