Topic Top 5

1. Postethnic Cultures Julia Hagins

2. 1. Postethnicity
Postethnicity prefers multiple, voluntary identities and considers these
voluntary affiliations to be as authentic as groups based on blood and
history.

3. 2. Postethnic Perspective
A Postethnic Perspective recognizes that each of us lives in many
diverse groups and so we aren’t confined to one group.
Angela Davis introduced the imagery of a rope attached
to an anchor —
We are anchored in our groups, but our ropes
should be long enough to move into other
communities and other anchors.

4. 3. Interdependence & “We”
Postethnicity recognizes our interdependent future — a future in which,
through the interconnected networks of identities between multiple groups,
individuals can share aspects of their identities that would not be possible
with rigid, prescribed identities.

5. 3. Interdependence & “We”
As our societal identities become more expansive and integrated, “we”
symbolizes all-encompassing inclusivity rather than the exclusivity that is
found between groups of rigid, limited identities.

6. 4. Postethnicity in U.S. Culture
Postethnicity in the U.S. — an individualist country — is a
reaffirmation of an individual’s right to define herself or himself by their
interests and personal identities.

7. 4. Postethnicity in U.S. Culture
Postethnicity in the U.S. may be an extension of extreme individualism
— the idea that an individual’s personal freedom and self-realization is
what is most important.

8. 5. Criticisms of Postethnicity
A popular criticism of postethnicity is that it is idealistic and unrealistic
to assume that others will communicate with people as individuals and not
label them as members of a group.