Second Essay- Entry #2

It is not possible to be completely un-identified because even a favorable opinion of something ties you to it in a way. To be completely un-identified is to say that the identities available do not apply or interest you; a member of one race or ethnicity can identify with another based on morals, values, ethics, etcetera. The possible benefits to this state would be that some of the harsh inter-ethnic feuds or long-standing grudges would have no bearing on you; while some are understandable and justified, to avoid them altogether would be ideal. The drawbacks would be similar to the aforementioned benefit: having a group of people to relate to where stereotypes are nonexistent because they are formed by absent outer parties can be an incredible rich and rewarding experience. It is important for people to associate, bond, and relate with one another and through identification this happens on an inherent and subconscious level. It may be impossible to completely un-identify, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Second Essay- Entry #1

The best way to understanding and "performing" an ethnic identity, and the method I would employ, would be to watch those around me. Ethnicity is something many people hold dear and are very proud of, often showing it in their daily lives through devices such as dress and dialect. It would be important not to infer stereotypes based on such observations and keep individuality in mind; rather, a more successful approach might be to pick one ethnicity and delve into it, interacting with and taking note of all the different kinds of people that exist within that one ethnicity. Of course, in order to "pick" an ethnicity like the characters in 3rd Rock from the Sun, one must understand that research into most every ethnicity that exists would have to be done not only to see what variation exists and make an informed decision, but also to ensure a fair sample and not give precedence to any one ethnicity. The delicacies and intricacies of each ethnicity consist of something close to infinity, rendering the task that Dick had taken on a bit impossible. The key would be fairness, observation, and interaction.