Introduction
The topic of racial and ethnic identity is rather acute in the United States due to the vast number of immigrants of various origins. While they can integrate into society, they cannot become true Americans. As a child of Dominican immigrants, I experienced the impact of existing social hierarchies motivated by ethnical identity. As Wen-Chu Chen (2008, 24) mentions, the US racial ideology is built on the principle that “one drop of African blood makes one black.”
The individual identity of many people in the US is defined not by their personal qualities but by their ethnic or racial characteristics. More significantly, a person’s roots can determine social status and opportunities available in a new country. As a US-born with Dominican roots, I experienced a struggle with national, racial, ethnic, class, and gender identification that became a part of my identity.
Structural Inequalities and Dominican Immigration to the US
Globalization forces people to leave their countries and move to more prosperous places. Many Dominicans have left the island since 1961, as there are now “more than 2 million Dominican-born immigrants living in the US” (Brinkerhoff et al., 2019, p. 3). However, the path of immigrants in the US is not easy to endure. As Brinkerhoff et al. (2019) mention, various structural inequalities are present in the US.
Those differences often force immigrants to take more dangerous and low-paying jobs. They cannot overcome external conditions and earn a better living for themselves and their families. Immigrants from the Dominican Republic are more likely to live in poverty and have a lower level of education compared to other Latino immigrants in the US (Brinkerhoff et al. 2019, 4). As a result, the families of Dominican immigrants have less access to healthcare and lower economic security. Ethical identity provides limitations for development for immigrants in the US and often defines their class.
Ethnic Identity, Social Integration, and Segregation
As a US-born citizen, I did not struggle as my family did once they came to the United States. However, I experience social differences from my racial and ethnic origins. For example, I tend to communicate primarily with people from Latino backgrounds, as they are the most common in my vicinity. I can notice that I have fewer opportunities to interact with White people, as they live in other areas, and our paths do not often cross.
I see it as a structural inequality, as I do not have much chance to go outside my ethnic community and integrate into the broader society. At the same time, I do not feel any pressure or different treatment on the part of White individuals due to my identity. They tend to be open and curious about my family and Dominican roots. This fact makes me think about the segregation that still exists in the country.
Additionally, ethnic identity has a particular influence on gender identity. However, due to transnationalism and globalization, trends in gender role transformation are ubiquitous across the world. People from various ethnic communities are reconsidering their perception of gender roles, which makes their views more flexible.
The Transformation of Gender Roles Through Immigration and Globalization
In the book “Dominicana,” the main character Ana experiences the hardship of rigid gender roles widespread in Dominican society (Maela, 2022). However, life in the US showed her the value of her individual life and formed her independent identity (Maela, 2022). My family experienced the same transition after immigration as they absorbed the views of American society.
Although it is impossible for them to change their mindset completely due to both ethical community imitation and habit, they reshaped their identities to some extent. Most importantly, they modified their perceptions of gender roles in the family, which gave me many more opportunities to make my own choices. I could explore my identity and make decisions regarding my future, which opened up new horizons.
Dominican society is extremely rigid in defining the roles of men and women in the family. This fact also determines the occupation people can get and the education they should choose. Due to the environment I was raised in, I now do not need to look back at such bias and shape my future as I see fit.
Conclusion
Overall, as an offspring of immigrants from the Dominican Republic who are currently citizens of the US, I experienced a significant impact of my origins on my identity. Most importantly, Dominican roots can determine my social status as I am predominantly confined to the Latino community. Structural inequalities in the US prevent many members of ethical communities from getting work and education opportunities.
It may not be so evident initially, as I was born in the United States and deem myself equal to other US citizens. However, my Dominican legacy plays a massive role in shaping my social interactions and financial opportunities for my family. Many immigrants do not get a chance to integrate into society due to their ethnic identity, which leads them to be bound to a certain social position.
References
Brinkerhoff, Cristina Araujo, et al. 2019. “There You Enjoy Life, Here You Work’: Brazilian and Dominican Immigrants’ Views on Work and Health in the U.S.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16 (20): 1-16. Web.
Maela, Giorgia. 2022. “An Analysis of Feminism in ‘Dominicana’ by Angie Cruz Giorgia Maela.” Respectus Philologicus 42 (47): 167-172. Web.
Wen-Chu Chen, Edith. 2008. “You are like us, you eat platanos”: Chinese Dominicans, Race, Ethnicity, and Identity.” Afro-Hispanic Review 27 (1): 23-40. Web.