Question

when we speak of descent through such cultural backgrounds as irish, italian american, russian, jewish, and serbian we are actually discussing

Answer 1

The question pertains to ethnicity, focusing on how descendants of Irish, Italian American, Russian, Jewish, and Serbian backgrounds have interacted with American society, especially in terms of immigration and assimilation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Step-by-step explanation:

When we speak of descent through cultural backgrounds such as Irish, Italian American, Russian, Jewish, and Serbian, we are discussing issues related to ethnicity and immigration. These ethnic groups, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, faced various degrees of prejudice and discrimination in America. Over time, shared experiences of discrimination led many immigrants to put aside old-world animosities and rivalries, leading to the formation of new, more inclusive identities such as Italian-Americans, who may have originally identified more specifically by their region of origin within Italy. While some groups, such as Germans and Irish, assimilated and intermarried to the extent that their distinct cultural identities were largely absorbed into a broader American identity, others maintained their cultural distinctiveness through the establishment of ethnic enclaves and institutions.

Answer 2

The correct option is B.

when we discuss descent through cultural backgrounds like those mentioned, we are primarily discussing ethnicity because it encompasses the cultural, historical, and sometimes ancestral aspects that define these groups, rather than focusing solely on physical characteristics (as in the case of race), nationality (which pertains to a person's legal affiliation with a specific country), or religion (which is just one aspect of ethnicity).

When we speak of descent through cultural backgrounds such as Irish, Italian American, Russian, Jewish, and Serbian, we are discussing Ethnicity.

Here's a explanation of why ethnicity is the most appropriate term:

1. Understanding the Terms:

• Race: Race is a concept primarily based on physical attributes, such as skin color, hair texture, and facial features. It is often used to categorize people into groups, like Black, White, Asian, etc., based on shared physical characteristics.
• Ethnicity: Ethnicity is a broader concept that encompasses a range of factors, including cultural, linguistic, religious, and ancestral ties. It goes beyond physical attributes and includes shared customs, traditions, history, and a sense of identity. Ethnic groups may share common ancestry or cultural practices.

Cultural Backgrounds:

• The cultural backgrounds mentioned, such as Irish, Italian American, Russian, Jewish, and Serbian, are primarily defined by their cultural and historical aspects rather than physical attributes or skin color.
• These backgrounds are characterized by specific cultural practices, traditions, languages, and often a shared sense of identity.

3. Examples:

• Irish: People of Irish descent share a common cultural heritage, including traditions like St. Patrick's Day celebrations, Irish dance, and a historical connection to Ireland.
• Italian American: Italian Americans have a distinct cultural identity rooted in Italian traditions, cuisine, and history, even though they may have been born in the United States.
• Russian: Russian culture includes language, cuisine, literature, and traditions specific to the Russian heritage.
• Jewish: Judaism is a religious and ethnic identity often associated with a shared history, culture, and customs among Jewish people.
• Serbian: Serbians share a cultural and historical identity tied to Serbia, including language, religion, and traditions.

The answer is Ethnicity.

The complete question is here:

When we speak of descent through such cultural backgrounds as Irish, Italian American, Russian, Jewish, and Serbian we are actually discussing:

A) Race

B) Ethnicity

C) Nationality

D) Religion.