How Much of an Ethnicity Does One Have to Be In Order to Be Able to Claim It?

[Lanolin]

as for Italians ten percent
well percentages dont work that way.
Most people, well all people have two parents and are a mixture of those genes. So if one parent is Italian and the other isnt then I suppose that would be half. Not sure where the ten percent is from. Most are raised by their parents, unless maybe you had ten godparents and one was Italian.

 

[Pipp]

This is mine .... can I call myself Scottish ??

 

[Lynx]

as for Italians ten percent
well percentages dont work that way.
Most people, well all people have two parents and are a mixture of those genes. So if one parent is Italian and the other isnt then I suppose that would be half. Not sure where the ten percent is from. Most are raised by their parents, unless maybe you had ten godparents and one was Italian.

If multiple ancestors were themselves of mixed ancestry, yes you could have ten percent Italian. Ten percent is only impossible if ALL your ancestors were pureblood.

 

[Ruby123]

I have a mixture of ethnicities in my blood line. Indian, English, Welsh, Irish and Portuguese. Over here they call it a mixed bag of lollies.

 

[TheIndianGirl]

I dont get it
so the person you MARRY is your identity? interesting...

Yes, in many cases. A lot of people only want to marry their own race since they identify with their race. I also feel this can be the case for mixed race people, they identify with one race and seek people from that race. Not everyone is openminded. Even people who are not that race at all want to marry another race, since they sometimes reject their own race.

 

[Lanolin]

where do you get the percentages from? I find that pretty peculiar.

All you do is ask your parents where they lived, they may have moved around a lot before you were born.

Maybe you just pick up geography as you go!

I am sure if you live in one area long enough, you become part of that land. see, Jesus was Judaen by birth in Bethlehem, but he actually grew up in Galilee. Which was not orginially part of Judea. It was Napthali territory. People saw him as Galileean and he had a Galilee accent. However his claim to the throne or royalty was his nativity eg his birthplace in Behtlehem Judaea.

His lineage is stated in two of the gospels in case anyone disputes this, it goes right back to being the son of God. (his lineage surprisingly, includes several foreigners including Ruth, and there was of course some probably intermarriage with egyptians after Josephs exile)

Even though Jesus was brought up Jewish and was outwardly Judaean, I think inside, he was Christ. He was a light to the gentiles. Now theres no distinction between jew and gentile if your soul is saved. You are a Christian.

we are christians.

 

[Lanolin]

This is mine .... can I call myself Scottish ?? View attachment 237685

what was your birthplace? where do you live now?

 

[JesusLives]

Hey Everyone,

This is a question that's really been on my mind, especially since I saw a story about a girl who outwardly appears white, took a DNA test, found out her ethnicity was something like (if I remember right,) 0.9% Jamaican, and is now presenting herself on social media with dark skin, cornrows, and posts saying that she is "proudly claiming her black heritage" -- and people are utterly slamming her for it.

This reminded me of a black friend I have and how it affected this person emotionally when they found out that one of their great great great grandparents had been white. No, this person did not try to claim to be white, but it definitely blurred the lines for them regarding certain white/black social issues.

With the popularity and easy accessibility of home DNA tests, I think most people will find that almost no one is 100% of any one particular ethnicity. I've grown up hearing people say (usually with a healthy amount of normal pride) that they are Italian, or Native American, or Irish, etc., even though one parent only who was, for example, half of that ethnicity.

Does a person have a right to claim a certain ethnicity as their own based on fractional bloodlines and/or cultural background?

I was fascinated by the story of Rachel Dolezal, the white woman who says she identifies as black, and even took prominent positions within the black community before she was outed by her own white parents:

I've always been in a unique place myself because although I am Asian, I grew up in all-white surroundings, and so traditional Asians don't see me as being Asian. But even though "white" is the closest I identify with both socially and culturally, I would never try to claim that I am a white person, though I do identify with the term "banana", which is given to many Asian adoptees in my situation (yellow on the outside, white on the inside.) This is just my own statement for myself -- I can't speak for anyone else's situation, including those who were raised in similar circumstances. I have met and read many stories about others in the same situation who identify with their biological heritage/culture and not the one they were raised in.

* In a society that tells us we can choose everything about our own identity, including gender, what rules are to be followed regarding ethnicity?

* For example, "how Italian" does one have to be in order to claim to be Italian? Is 10% enough? What about 49.99% Or if a person is 10% of 10 different ethnicities, does he or she have a right to claim all 10?

* In other words, exactly how much of an ethnicity "counts" enough in order for a person to be able to claim to be an active part of it?

I know this thread might seem like something more geared towards the Family Forum, but Singles is where I normally post, and ethnicity issues have always been a big part of my life.

I'm guessing it is for many others as well.

If you feel comfortable with sharing, what ethnicities do you personally identify with, and how much of them do you have in order to "justify to others" (as society will demand you to do) that you should be "allowed" to "qualify" what you claim to be?

I would love to hear your story, as well as your thoughts about all the things being discussed under the topic of this thread.

What is funny is that I always called myself an American Mutt because I figured the I'd be a little bit of this and a little bit of that DNA speaking... So our family like many wanted to do the tests when they became a popular thing to do and come to find out that I am one of the most pure bred members of my family which really shocked me and some of the others.

It appears that I am 85% Great Britain which makes me wonder how closely I might be related to the Queen... The other 15% was the little bit of this and the little bit of that portion of my DNA. So I'm certain I can lay claim to the 85% portion...lol

 

[Lanolin]

Yes, in many cases. A lot of people only want to marry their own race since they identify with their race. I also feel this can be the case for mixed race people, they identify with one race and seek people from that race. Not everyone is openminded. Even people who are not that race at all want to marry another race, since they sometimes reject their own race.

i dont think its a matter of open mindedness. sometimes, its just really a matter of geography.
also, for some, its language.
if you live in some town where everyone is the same and thats all you know then..you probably will end up marrying your next door neighbour...!

 

[Lanolin]

What is funny is that I always called myself an American Mutt because I figured the I'd be a little bit of this and a little bit of that DNA speaking... So our family like many wanted to do the tests when they became a popular thing to do and come to find out that I am one of the most pure bred members of my family which really shocked me and some of the others.

It appears that I am 85% Great Britain which makes me wonder how closely I might be related to the Queen... The other 15% was the little bit of this and the little bit of that portion of my DNA. So I'm certain I can lay claim to the 85% portion...lol

DNA is a bit of a lottery
when genes recombine its not always half from mum and half from dad in their expression. Which is why even twins can be so different from each other. eg Jacob and Esau.

 

[Lanolin]

The Bible does say that there is no point in detailing your geneology. 1 Timothy 4

it is the trendy thing to do this, but I think it will pass. We just have to live by faith.
If we are born again, Jesus blood covers us.

I dont really know anything past my grandparents, though there is probably some ancestral tablet somewhere! if we are to lay claim to anything, its in the Kingdom of Heaven, not on earth. Though where you were born is your roots I suppose and its good to look after the soil where your roots are. Im guessing this was why Jesus went to Jerusalem and died there.

some people go to the ends of the earth for their destiny, others stay put. If you are spreading the gospel its to the ends of the earth and to people who may speak another langauge. Though the gospel can transcend langauge. (Hence, gift of tongues) . I live in a fairly cosmopiltan city and most couples I know are mixed. But not all places are like that. There will also be areas that are closed to outsiders and suspicious of 'foreigners' while others embrace them.

Boaz Im sure was not seeking a wife of another race, He just wanted someone who was virtuous. Ruth for her part, was hungry! I dont think she was even seeking to be married. But Her mother in law wanted grandchildren. It is interesting that Orpah went back home. Sometimes, home is where your heart is.

 

[Pipp]

what was your birthplace? where do you live now?

I know I cant claim Scottish, lol I was born in North Carolina and live in Georgia.

 

[seoulsearch]

where do you get the percentages from? I find that pretty peculiar.

All you do is ask your parents where they lived, they may have moved around a lot before you were born.

The Bible does say that there is no point in detailing your geneology. 1 Timothy 4

1. The percentages are from DNA tests, which have become very popular here in the USA.

2. Many people don't have the option of asking their parents, as you said they should do. Their parents might have passed on, or as in my case, adoption might be involved and there is no way of knowing. I know many people who have a parent, grandparent, etc. who was adopted and has no clue as to their biological makeup.

My official adoption record said that I was found in front of a theater, then taken to the police, then to an orphanage, then to a foster couple, and finally -- home. The social workers told my parents that I was found in a cardboard box when I was about 3 days old, but I have read that the parents of many adoptees with similar backgrounds were told the same thing. At that time, it was apparently a generic fantasy tale that was told to many perspective adoptive parents in that day.

I won't know what really happened until I get to heaven, or unless God says that it just doesn't matter.

3. You said 1 Timothy 4 says there is no point in detailing our geneology. I just reread it and I don't see anything there that I interpret as saying this, but it could just be me.

One of the major reasons I got a DNA test is because I have absolutely no knowledge of my genetic background, and at every single doctor's appointment, at least here in the USA, they will ask, "Do you have a family history of (cancer, depression, diabetes, etc.)?"

I was hoping my test would clue me in as to whether or not I am susceptible to this, that, or the other.

One thing I did find that was interesting was that it alluded to me having a genetic disposition for insomnia, which, if it's true, is right on the money. But I take it all with a very large block of salt.

I have read that each company has different markers that it sets, so you could have a test done at each of them and theoretically receive different results in every case.

And then there are the multiple cans of worms that these tests been opened.

Some of the cases I've read about include a father who had raised a daughter he fully believed was his own, but her DNA test showed no biological relation (in other words, her biological father had been another man,) and he was asking if he had a legal right to terminate his financial support of her because of this. He said that he loved her, and she hadn't known any other father, but now that he found out she "wasn't his," he no longer wanted to pay for any of her care.

Or people who find out that they or someone in their family was adopted (because their DNA doesn't match anyone in the family,) and it was meant to be a secret that no one thought would be discovered. People have often adopted babies, moved to a new place, then passed them off as their own, thinking no one would find out. But these days it's easier than ever.

While I am someone who believes that everyone should be told the truth and has a right to know about their own background, I am genuinely sorrowful for all the wounds and family breakups that are happening just because of whom God chose to physically create them.

 

[RodB651]

This is mine .... can I call myself Scottish ??

I

it's a good bet you are descended from Vikings...

So, if you suddenly feel the urge to raid your neighbors house, that's probably why.

 

[Pipp]

I

it's a good bet you are descended from Vikings...

So, if you suddenly feel the urge to raid your neighbors house, that's probably why.

That explains so much....

 

[Oncefallen]

Ultimately, I think that it is a sad commentary on certain individuals who feel the need to "latch on to" a culture when they find out that they have a minuscule percentage of that ethnicity in their background.

I remember a girl that I knew in my late 20's that somehow found out that she had a great, great grandmother that was 25% American Indian yet the rest of her was a blend of different European countries. She had such a lack of self identity that suddenly she was going to Indian pow-wows and immersing herself in American Indian culture (I can't remember what tribe) because it gave her a sense of belonging to something that she had never had.

Recently I was talking with an employee of mine who really is Native American (Navajo/Hopi) and he was joking about the number of people like her that show up at pow-wows trying sooooo hard to "look" Indian.

 

[Treeboy]

This hits home. I am a shaved head 6'3 muscular build tattooed white man. I am legally 1/4 black. My grandfather is black although not %100 but neither is almost anybody else. I think snoop dog was only %40 african. I have white features straight wavy hair when it grew. My mom has mostly white features curly borderline afro hair my uncle has a afro but shaves and is too dark to pass for white abs at 60. We are old mix blood creoles from Louisiana dating back to 1800.

I get darker in the sun than almost all white people darker than hispanics my ex wife tanned was envious of my complexion. My sister is white as snow. When you see us all together you can see it the men large muscular builds little too dark and barely age at all. And it skips around some people are blonde white as snow. My aunt at 60 could pass for 43 and just started to get wrinkles. My grandfather has lightened up as he retired but was %100 black complexion when younger.

Whats more interesting is any time i encounter a single attractive black woman she will hit on me. Every time. I am obviously not a discriminated against no one knows but i qualify for student loans as a minority though i wouldnt do it someone out there more deserving. I mostly hang out with white people and whenever i see photos i look and im just a shade or two darker than everybody.

 

[Lanolin]

1. The percentages are from DNA tests, which have become very popular here in the USA.

2. Many people don't have the option of asking their parents, as you said they should do. Their parents might have passed on, or as in my case, adoption might be involved and there is no way of knowing. I know many people who have a parent, grandparent, etc. who was adopted and has no clue as to their biological makeup.

My official adoption record said that I was found in front of a theater, then taken to the police, then to an orphanage, then to a foster couple, and finally -- home. The social workers told my parents that I was found in a cardboard box when I was about 3 days old, but I have read that the parents of many adoptees with similar backgrounds were told the same thing. At that time, it was apparently a generic fantasy tale that was told to many perspective adoptive parents in that day.

I won't know what really happened until I get to heaven, or unless God says that it just doesn't matter.

3. You said 1 Timothy 4 says there is no point in detailing our geneology. I just reread it and I don't see anything there that I interpret as saying this, but it could just be me.

One of the major reasons I got a DNA test is because I have absolutely no knowledge of my genetic background, and at every single doctor's appointment, at least here in the USA, they will ask, "Do you have a family history of (cancer, depression, diabetes, etc.)?"

I was hoping my test would clue me in as to whether or not I am susceptible to this, that, or the other.

One thing I did find that was interesting was that it alluded to me having a genetic disposition for insomnia, which, if it's true, is right on the money. But I take it all with a very large block of salt.

I have read that each company has different markers that it sets, so you could have a test done at each of them and theoretically receive different results in every case.

And then there are the multiple cans of worms that these tests been opened.

Some of the cases I've read about include a father who had raised a daughter he fully believed was his own, but her DNA test showed no biological relation (in other words, her biological father had been another man,) and he was asking if he had a legal right to terminate his financial support of her because of this. He said that he loved her, and she hadn't known any other father, but now that he found out she "wasn't his," he no longer wanted to pay for any of her care.

Or people who find out that they or someone in their family was adopted (because their DNA doesn't match anyone in the family,) and it was meant to be a secret that no one thought would be discovered. People have often adopted babies, moved to a new place, then passed them off as their own, thinking no one would find out. But these days it's easier than ever.

While I am someone who believes that everyone should be told the truth and has a right to know about their own background, I am genuinely sorrowful for all the wounds and family breakups that are happening just because of whom God chose to physically create them.

Do you know which theater it was?
It will give you an idea geographically.
I know I was born in the hospital and was transferred when I had jaundice to a different one then was taken home.

My dad was born in a fruit shop lol a few suburbs over. Prior to that I know his parents came from a village in China. My mother was born in China but the moved to Hong Kong when she was only a baby.

1 Timothy 1:4 neither give heed to fables and endless geneologies...which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith so do

see, Jesus had a lot of questions about his lineage but its just by faith that we know He is the son of God. Yes Joseph was his earthly dad but...Jesus was actually not his biological son. So...did it really matter? Only to those who didnt have faith.

 

[Lanolin]

I think everyone qualified for student loans in nz. Cos nobody really could afford higher education!

I wouldnt say preferential treatment is given to minorities, they still have to get the marks and do the study. Scholarships can be offered but its up to people to take advantage of it.

 

[Gojira]

Hey Everyone,

This is a question that's really been on my mind, especially since I saw a story about a girl who outwardly appears white, took a DNA test, found out her ethnicity was something like (if I remember right,) 0.9% Jamaican, and is now presenting herself on social media with dark skin, cornrows, and posts saying that she is "proudly claiming her black heritage" -- and people are utterly slamming her for it.

This reminded me of a black friend I have and how it affected this person emotionally when they found out that one of their great great great grandparents had been white. No, this person did not try to claim to be white, but it definitely blurred the lines for them regarding certain white/black social issues.

With the popularity and easy accessibility of home DNA tests, I think most people will find that almost no one is 100% of any one particular ethnicity. I've grown up hearing people say (usually with a healthy amount of normal pride) that they are Italian, or Native American, or Irish, etc., even though one parent only who was, for example, half of that ethnicity.

Does a person have a right to claim a certain ethnicity as their own based on fractional bloodlines and/or cultural background?

I was fascinated by the story of Rachel Dolezal, the white woman who says she identifies as black, and even took prominent positions within the black community before she was outed by her own white parents:

I've always been in a unique place myself because although I am Asian, I grew up in all-white surroundings, and so traditional Asians don't see me as being Asian. But even though "white" is the closest I identify with both socially and culturally, I would never try to claim that I am a white person, though I do identify with the term "banana", which is given to many Asian adoptees in my situation (yellow on the outside, white on the inside.) This is just my own statement for myself -- I can't speak for anyone else's situation, including those who were raised in similar circumstances. I have met and read many stories about others in the same situation who identify with their biological heritage/culture and not the one they were raised in.

* In a society that tells us we can choose everything about our own identity, including gender, what rules are to be followed regarding ethnicity?

* For example, "how Italian" does one have to be in order to claim to be Italian? Is 10% enough? What about 49.99% Or if a person is 10% of 10 different ethnicities, does he or she have a right to claim all 10?

* In other words, exactly how much of an ethnicity "counts" enough in order for a person to be able to claim to be an active part of it?

I know this thread might seem like something more geared towards the Family Forum, but Singles is where I normally post, and ethnicity issues have always been a big part of my life.

I'm guessing it is for many others as well.

If you feel comfortable with sharing, what ethnicities do you personally identify with, and how much of them do you have in order to "justify to others" (as society will demand you to do) that you should be "allowed" to "qualify" what you claim to be?

I would love to hear your story, as well as your thoughts about all the things being discussed under the topic of this thread.

My view... None of this should matter. This matters to people obsessed with race, such as the enlightened Wokists and other race-baiters trying to divide and conquer our culture through race.

I'm white, but a mixed white. I got white European, but also near-eastern and even some Asian DNA. I'm a Christian first, American second, and the rest is self-evident, regardless of how I might feel about it, and this is an almost non-existent third.