Biology
Symbolic Ethnicity and Its Expression Among White Americans
Quick fact
Sociologist Mary Waters found that many white Americans choose to 'be' ethnic—such as Irish or Italian—through holiday rituals and food, while the same ethnicity can be a source of discrimination for minority groups.
Why this is interesting
You might call yourself 'Irish' on St. Patrick's Day, but do you really live an Irish-American life? Why is ethnicity just a festive choice for many white Americans?