Why do some white Americans have a strong ethnic identity while others do not?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

White Americans who have immigrant roots from southern or eastern Europe may have a stronger ethnic identity because they were not always accepted as "white" in the United States. They may have faced discrimination and prejudice, which led them to hold onto their ethnic identity as a way of preserving their heritage and sense of self. In contrast, white Americans with roots in northern or western Europe may not have faced the same level of discrimination and may feel less of a need to hold onto their ethnic identity. Additionally, higher rates of intermarriage among some white ethnic groups (such as Irish and Italian Americans) can lead to a dilution of ethnic identity over time. It is not accurate to say that whites have no culture as all groups have their own unique customs, traditions, and beliefs.

Why Do Some White Americans Have a Strong Ethnic Identity