Final answer:
When the kids asked Nitty "HEY what are you?" they were most likely inquiring about her ethnic identity or race. This is a concept that is socially constructed and can change based on geographical location, reflecting the complexity of racial and ethnic identity, and is affected by various factors, including gender and age.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the scenarios presented, when the kids asked Nitty "HEY what are you?" they were likely referring to her ethnic identity or race. Ethnicity and race are concepts that are deeply embedded in our political and social structures, prompting individuals to categorize themselves often in simplistic terms. However, categorizations are socially constructed and can vary significantly from one region to another, which indicates that geography plays a substantial role in shaping one's racial or ethnic identity. Roger and Meltzoff's study on racial identity among children revealed that gender identity was more salient than race for children about 10 years old, suggesting that the understanding of race evolves over time. For adolescents and ethnic minority children, ethnicity can hold significant meaning. Additionally, Amy's story illustrates the complex feelings and confusions surrounding racial identity, highlighting an individual's quest to understand their own ethnic or race categorization.