Optional Ethnicity

Research Question: Why are White Americans seemingly the only group in the US who can chose if/when they'd like to claim a specific ethnic group?

White Americans make up 60% of the US population and hold 86% of wealth in the US

Problem: Minority groups do not have the ability to decide whether or not or when to claim a specific ethnic group.

For this reason, minorities tend to band together in solidarity

Conclusion: Since White Americans make up the majority of the population and are less likely to fall victim to discrimination, there is generally no "need" to identity to any specific ethnic group beyond symbolic or situational occasions.

Ethnicity

Unlike race, it is generally self-ascribed

Shared cultural identity, not linked to biology or outward feautures.