Argument Paper Ethnic Identity

For this Argument Paper you need to write a 1500-word paper that relates to the topic of ethnic identity.  The readings (and related presentations) that are particularly relevant to this topic are:

Bonilla-Silva’s “Rethinking Racism”

The presentations on Ethnic Identity, Mary Waters, and the video “Race the Power of an Illusion: The Stories We Tell”

Dalmage, Heather. “Discovering Racial Borders” Available on ICollege.

Lee, Jennifer and Frank Bean. The Diversity Paradox: Immigration and the Color Line in Twenty-First Century America. Russell Sage Foundation Publications.

The first line of your paper should state an argument that the reader can either agree or disagree with.  I expect and require that your first sentence of your paper begins “I argue that…”. Your classmates will be asked in their feedback papers to either agree or disagree with your argument, so this is an important aspect of your paper.  The rest of your paper should be used to both demonstrate your mastery/understanding of the assigned material and persuade the reader of your argument.  

You are encouraged to address the following questions as related to yourself, and potentially others, in a way that reflects your lived experience:

How do you identify racially/ethnically? To what degree to you see this identity as authentic vs. symbolic? Have you ever felt that someone else (or some social structural force) has imposed a different ethnic identity upon you? Have you ever felt discriminated against due to your racial/ethnic identity/status? If so, in what way? In what ways do you act to reinforce or challenge the existing boundaries between racial/ethnic groups?

The best papers will critically engage the relevant ideas presented on this topic. While relating to these questions on a personal level is encouraged, I also want to see you weave in a discussion of the readings that reflects your close reading of the assigned material and thoughtful reflection of the ideas presented in class.