We are very fortunate to live in such a diverse society. People who speak different languages, have different religions, and have a toxic combination of both can usually understand one another without much difficulty. However, society’s perceived differences often cause tension between these groups and the idea of cultural pride with which some feel urges them to showcase their heritage more than others. This is where situational ethnicity comes in, helping people distinguish themselves without being othered. Situational ethnicity, which categorizes an individual’s ethnic background based on the situation they are in during that moment in time, is just one accurate way for people to identify as belonging to certain groups according to their particular circumstances. How do we decide when to display situational ethnicity? We may have to go out of our way to show our ethnicity, but can we really control how others see us?
Personal analysis of one’s identity is important because it helps develop resilience in the face of external influences. While many people are able to successfully navigate life without interacting with others on a daily basis, there is still a need for new ways for people to identify themselves. Research shows that many individuals are uncomfortable with their identities and do not feel that they belong in the worlds they inhabit. The concept of situational ethnicity can be used to help people understand key differences from their identities and why these differences exist.
Awesome Things You Can Learn From Situational Ethnicity :
1. People We Are
Situational ethnicity is defined by a person’s identity, which includes the things we can identify with and a person’s attributes present in those things. The concept is all around us, from understanding how people categorize themselves to how people view the different groups of people around them. If you are someone who does not understand yourself, situational ethnicity can be used as a way to clarify your personal identity as well as discover your unique qualities. Identifying your attributes will allow you to see what you do that makes you stand out from others, while discovering their use in situations will help you make decisions when interacting with others in specific situations.
2. Our Impact On Others
Once you have identified your attributes and learned how to use them in different situations, it is important to observe how others view you as a result of your actions. For example, if you are an individual who identifies himself as a Muslim and someone asked about the meaning of your appearance (Islamic clothing), it would be smart to explain the influence that Islam has on your life. On the contrary, if someone asks about sports, you should not make it apparent that you do not fit in with others because they may feel uncomfortable with someone who is different from them. In this case, situational ethnicity can work against you because people may associate certain things with other things and then judge your appearance accordingly.
3. Cultural Pride
If you want to get people to respect the differences that you have, situational ethnicity can be used as a way of subconsciously communicating these messages. For example, if you are a baseball player, there is no reason for fellow teammates to perceive you as being different because your race in America is not limited to one race. However, if you are an African-American and wearing an American flag bandana on your head or carrying a Confederate flag in the locker room, it will be hard for other players to understand why they should not be afraid of you. In cases like these, situational ethnicity can be used as a way to communicate pride in your country without putting down another person at the same time.
4. Appreciating Ethnic Diversity
Situational ethnicity allows people to appreciate their unique traits as well as the unique traits of others around them. For example, if you are someone who identifies as a social activist and you hang out with a bunch of conservatives, they may not appreciate your way of thinking. In this case, they may just notice that you are different from them and then label you with something negative based on the things they do not understand about your culture. This is why it is important to truly appreciate ethnic diversity instead of just tolerating it.
5. Understanding Identity
On a deeper level, situational ethnicity helps people improve their understanding of who they are and why they are that way. For example, if you are someone who identifies himself as an African-American and you feel that you cannot be understood by Caucasians, it would be smart to ask them to understand why you feel this way. If the other person does not understand why these things exist and how they may impact your life, then he or she will not be able to make a connection with your identity. Not only that, but the person may begin to take his or her own identity for granted and miss the chance of learning from your experiences.
