Question 1

Which of the following examples illustrates the principle of third-generation interest?

Accepted Answer

Third-generation interest refers to the connection or interest individuals have with their cultural or ethnic heritage, even if they are several generations removed from the country of origin. Jenny's effort to learn Polish to stay in touch with her ethnicity, despite being an American citizen and far removed from her Polish roots, is a clear example of third-generation interest.

Question 2

Race is considered to be ________.

Accepted Answer

Race is considered to be socially constructed because it is an idea that has been created and accepted by the people in a society. The concept of race is not based on clear-cut scientific criteria but rather on social perceptions and classifications that vary across cultures and time periods.

Question 3

In the context of ethnicity and religion, being White, as opposed to being Black or Asian is characterized by ________.

Accepted Answer

Being White often means being part of the dominant group in many societies, especially in contexts where racial hierarchies are present. This dominance can influence social, economic, and political dynamics.

Question 4

The Irish immigrants to the United States were characterized by their ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Irish immigrants to the United States...

Question 5

Derek relocates to a foreign country because of his job. His family members feel that Derek has blended completely into the foreign country's culture and maintains very few ethnic characteristics. Which of the following features of ethnicity is shown in the given scenario?

Accepted Answer

The scenario describes Derek losing his ethnic characteristics and blending into the foreign culture, which aligns with the deficit model of ethnic identity, where ethnic identity diminishes over time or due to assimilation.

Question 6

The lower-class Irish immigrants left behind by other Irish immigrants and their children who moved into more affluent urban areas in the United States were referred to as the ________.

Accepted Answer

The term "shanty Irish" was used to refer to lower-class Irish immigrants and their descendants who lived in poorer conditions, often in shanties or makeshift housing, in contrast to the "lace-curtain Irish," who were Irish immigrants and their descendants who had achieved a higher social and economic status.

Question 7

Pierre, a Catholic, is a citizen of the United States. However, he was born in a different country and considers himself to be part of the cultures of both the countries. Which of the following features of ethnicity is shown in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Pierre's situation illustrates a blended identity, where he identifies with the cultures of both his birth country and the United States, reflecting the combination of multiple cultural influences in his personal identity.

Question 8

Eating ethnic food and acknowledging ceremonial holidays such as St. Patrick's Day are examples of ________.

Accepted Answer

Eating ethnic food and acknowledging ceremonial holidays such as St. Patrick's Day are examples of symbolic ethnicity, where individuals identify with a particular ethnic group in symbolic ways rather than through direct cultural practices. This often occurs in later generations of immigrants who feel a connection to their heritage through these symbols rather than through lived experience.

Question 9

The cultural influence of the ________ immigrants was so apparent in the history of America that publications of the proceedings of the Continental Congress were published in their native language in addition to being published in English.

Accepted Answer

German immigrants had a significant influence on American culture, to the extent that the proceedings of the Continental Congress were published in German as well as English to accommodate the large German-speaking population.

Question 10

________ is the largest single source of ancestry of people in the United States today.

Accepted Answer

Germany is the largest single source of ancestry for people in the United States today, with a significant number of Americans tracing their ancestry back to German immigrants.

Question 11

Which of the following is true of ethnicity?

Accepted Answer

Ethnicity provides a sense of continuity with the past through emotional and cultural ties, helping individuals maintain a connection to their heritage and identity.

Question 12

A person exhibiting symbolic ethnicity is more likely to ________.

Accepted Answer

Symbolic ethnicity refers to a nostalgic allegiance to the culture of the immigrant generation, or that of the old country, that is not usually incorporated in everyday behavior but is reflected in the celebration of major holidays and life cycle events. Acknowledging ceremonial holidays is a form of symbolic ethnicity, where individuals may celebrate certain aspects of their heritage during specific times without it influencing their daily practices.

Question 13

Priya is a foreign national residing in the United States. She likes to stay in touch with her roots and dresses traditionally on special occasions. Given this information, Priya is exhibiting ________.

Accepted Answer

Symbolic ethnicity refers to a form of ethnicity where individual expressions of cultural identity are selectively retained without having the full cultural practices as part of one's everyday life. Priya's choice to dress traditionally on special occasions is a way to maintain a connection to her cultural roots in a symbolic manner, fitting the definition of symbolic ethnicity.

Question 14

James, an American citizen, moves to a foreign country. He adjusts to the new culture and also retains some elements of American culture. This assists his assimilation into the new culture. This is an example of ________.

Accepted Answer

The ethnic paradox refers to the phenomenon where individuals or groups maintain their distinct cultural identity while simultaneously integrating into the larger society. In this scenario, James is retaining elements of his American culture while adjusting to the new culture, exemplifying the ethnic paradox.

Question 15

The ________ immigrants established themselves as the political founders of the United States, and also defined what it meant to be White.

Accepted Answer

The English immigrants were the primary settlers who established the initial colonies that later formed the United States. They played a significant role in the political founding of the country and set the early standards and definitions of identity, including concepts of whiteness.

Question 16

Early Irish immigrants favored Protestantism and were united in their hatred of Catholicism. Which of the following statements describes the attitude of the early Irish immigrants?

Accepted Answer

The statement inaccurately portrays early Irish immigrants, who were predominantly Catholic and faced discrimination for their religious beliefs, not Protestantism. The correct interpretation is that they were against religious pluralism, as the historical context suggests a strong adherence to their Catholic faith amidst a predominantly Protestant society.

Question 17

Research on ________ indicates that many grandchildren of immigrants want to study their ancestors' language and learn about their ethnic group's history.

Accepted Answer

The principle of third-generation interest suggests that the grandchildren of immigrants (the third generation) often show a renewed interest in their ethnic backgrounds, including language and history, as a way of connecting with their heritage.

Question 18

According to historian Noel Ignatiev's observation, the study of Whiteness is a necessary stage to ________.

Accepted Answer

Ignatiev's work focuses on the concept of "Whiteness" as a social construct with significant implications for racial dynamics and inequality. He argues that understanding and ultimately deconstructing this construct is essential for addressing racial injustices, leading to his conclusion that the study of Whiteness is a necessary stage to its abolition.

Question 19

_______ is associated with rediscovering ethnicity.

Accepted Answer

The third-generation principle is associated with rediscovering ethnicity, suggesting that the interest and pride in one's ethnic heritage tend to increase in the third generation of immigrant families. This principle reflects a pattern where the first generation might strive to assimilate, the second generation might distance themselves from their ethnic roots, and the third generation often seeks to rediscover and take pride in their ethnic or cultural heritage.

Question 20

Which of the following events was a major factor that resulted in an increase in the number of Irish immigrants to the United States?

Accepted Answer

The potato famine, also known as the Great Famine, occurred in Ireland between 1845 and 1852, leading to a significant increase in Irish immigration to the United States as people fled starvation and disease.

Quiz 5: Ethnicity and Religion