Final answer:
The dilemma of ideal vs. real ethnic identity arises from political socialization, societal constructs, and personal identification. Ethnic majorities may downplay the influence of their ethnicity, while ethnic minorities may feel discrimination. Categories of ethnicity are socially constructed and can vary across locations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dilemma of ideal vs. real ethnic identity is a complex issue that arises from various factors such as political socialization, societal constructs, and personal identification. Ethnic majorities often perceive their ethnicity as having little influence on their political socialization, while ethnic minorities may feel the sting of discrimination and view the government as unfriendly. One's ethnic identity becomes more salient if it signifies being an outsider. Additionally, ethnic identity can be influenced by the categories constructed by governments and cultural groups, which can change through time and across space.
For example, in the United States, there is a growing population of immigrant children, and American anthropologist Ritty Lukose argues for a realignment in American education to better acknowledge immigrant identities. This can be seen in instances like the 2005-2006 California textbook controversy, where biased views of Hinduism were perceived as discriminatory by the Hindu American Foundation and Indian parents.
The dilemma also extends to individuals in terms of personal identification. Some find it easy to check a single box or provide a simple answer to questions about ethnicity, while others find it challenging. Moving from one region to another can further complicate the answer to the question of ethnic identity, as categories are socially constructed and can differ across locations.