Final answer:
The concept being explored is identity, in relation to genetics and inheritance. Considering both genetic factors and social influences, identity is complex and shaped by various elements, including how society categorizes individuals of mixed heritage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept being explored in the dialogue "Aren't we half-breeds too? Aren't we half our mother, half our father? ... We must be half something," is identity in the context of genetics and inheritance. The term 'half-breed' historically refers to individuals of mixed ethnic or racial ancestry and touches upon how people are genetically connected to their parents.
Each parent contributes 50% to a child's genetic makeup, which includes their race, appearance, and other inheritable traits. However, identity is complex and does not solely depend on one's genetic makeup. It is a multifaceted concept that also includes environmental influences, personal experiences, and social factors.
The way society perceives and categorizes individuals based on their genetic heritage, as described with blood quantum laws and societal pressures, is significant in shaping one's identity as well.
When considering the scenario presented, we can delve into how personal experiences and environment contribute to a unique identity, even when genetic inheritance remains a static fact. The concept of bilateral descent is noted, where kinship and familial connections are traced through both maternal and paternal lines, further emphasizing the composite nature of one's identity.
Historical blood laws and current societal pressures heavily influence the recognition and assertion of one's identity, as observed in the case of mixed-race individuals in the United States who are often forced to identify with a single ethnic category.