NATIONAL IDENTITY CONSTRUCTIONS

Abstract

Collective memory is the dominant representation of a nation's history. Contemporary research has explored the implications of collective memory on constructions of national identity, beliefs about minority rights, and erasure of minoritized groups in history. In extending this work, this study evaluated the extent to which manipulating particular constructions of national identity (ethnic vs. civic) will impact collective memories about minority groups in the US and support for minority rights. Participants read a short, falsified report written by the U.S. Census Bureau. These reports focused on different perspectives of "what it means to be a U.S. citizen." For the civic national identity report, participants read about how paying taxes, working to become a citizen, and following laws are important to the U.S. American identity. In contrast, those presented with the ethnic national identity report read about how being a member of the majority race, being fluent in English, and having ancestors from the U.S. are important aspects of the American identity. After reading the report, participants answered a series of questions regarding the contributions of specific ethnic/racial groups in the U.S. and policy related to minority groups. It was found that those exposed to a civic national identity prime were more in favor of minority group rights than those exposed to an ethnic national identity prime. However, no statistically significant differences were observed regarding the contributions of ethnic/racial groups among those exposed to a civic national identity prime and an ethnic national identity prime.