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Navigating Racial Identity Development in a Multiracial
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As America continues to expand and diversify, the concept of race has become
increasingly complex. The rise of multiracial individuals has put the country on
the verge of a racial melting point. However, the definitions that fit an
individual are still framed by ethnic or racial identity, making racial identity
development (RID) a critical issue that governs an individual's growth.
RID affects social relations that develop within a speculated timeline, and
community is amongst the factors that affect it. When individuals come from less
diverse populations, they are prone to experience high discrimination and
various challenges affiliated with racial identity. It is at the age of 5 that
children start developing a sense of identity, exploring what it means to come
from their race. However, societal biasness affects their ability to gain a
positive identity and self-esteem.
Ethnic identity is defined by an individual's attachment to their sense of
belonging, exploring the engagement activities in terms of increasing their
knowledge and the urge to connect with other cultures surrounding them. Identity
achievement is a multidimensional concept that incorporates self-categorization
into a group, be it positive or negative. Living in a diverse community can make
an individual appreciate other races or engulf their feelings in a lagoon
whereby they develop a negative outlook for other communities. For instance,
when an individual lives in a highly diverse community, they can experience
identity purgatory. The identity purgatory makes a person fail in terms of
expressing themselves as posed in their racial identity.
Nevertheless, a community with diversity can contribute to healthier social
relations. Children raised in an ambient condition where they accept the
community are prone to miss discriminative measures. Race is a discourse subject
that raises issues affiliated with discrimination, and it is time for America to
embrace and navigate the complexities of racial identity development to promote
healthy social relations. |
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