All Americans are Not Perceived as “True” Americans: Implications for Policy

Abstract

The United States is a nation of immigrants with significant ethnic and racial diversity. Yet, American identity is associated with European-Americans and their cultural values, defining ethnic minorities as less American. Experiences of identity denial are associated with negative mental and physical health outcomes, as well as lower political and civic engagement. Perceptions of prototypical American-ness link to a wide range of social policy about language, affirmative action, and redistribution. A cultural psychological perspective analyzes the contexts that promote exclusive conceptions of American identity, and it focuses on individual people who make up these contexts. Policies that recognize minority-group cultures and acknowledge the historical injustices against them can promote inclusive conceptions of American identity.