Can ethnicities be self identified?

[cyberlorian]

In most countries, ethnicity of the citizens are self identified although most people think that ethnicity is something directly related with DNA. Also, I would like to know what pros and cons might happen for example a typical ethnically Moroccan woman who was born and lives in France identifies herself as French in terms of ethnicity? Or, what if a typical ethically Turkish woman who was born and lives in China identifies herself as Chinese in terms of ethnicity?

According to most governments, it seems that ethnicity of people can be self identified.

Please discuss.

[YunusEmre]

There seem to be a confusion between ethnicity and nationality. It may be easy to be accepted by a new nationality, but almost impossible to be accepted by another ethnic or nation.

In your example the Turkish woman may consider herself Chinese, but it is unlikely that the Chinese will ever consider her Chinese.

[Creoda]

Only for the mentally ill.

[cyberlorian]

Only for the mentally ill.

I am not talking about mentally ill but talking about the assimilated ones.

[cyberlorian]

There seem to be a confusion between ethnicity and nationality. It may be easy to be accepted by a new nationality, but almost impossible to be accepted by another ethnic or nation.

In your example the Turkish woman may consider herself Chinese, but it is unlikely that the Chinese will ever consider her Chinese.

I guess, if that ethnically Turkish woman answers as Chinese to the "what is your ethnicity" question, most Chinese would think that either she is an assimilated one or simply does not want to tell about her real ethnic identity. I think, these are two possibilities what the Chinese would think.

[Creoda]

I am not talking about mentally ill but talking about the assimilated ones.

No, because it assumes that an ethnic group is just a culture, not an actual people with physical properties.

[pulstar]

If you were thinking of assimilation into a culture where you would be able to pass, both culturally and racially, then you would be accepted by the society if you want to adjust to their norms. However, if any of three is missing (meaning, you're racially different, culturally different and you don't want to adjust to new society) it would cause the general unacceptance among the original population, and you would probably always have a feeling that something is missing because of it.

[cyberlorian]

There seem to be a confusion between ethnicity and nationality. It may be easy to be accepted by a new nationality, but almost impossible to be accepted by another ethnic or nation.

In your example the Turkish woman may consider herself Chinese, but it is unlikely that the Chinese will ever consider her Chinese.

I guess, if that ethnically Turkish woman answers as Chinese to the "what is your ethnicity" question, most Chinese would think that either she is an assimilated one or simply does not want to tell about her real ethnic identity. I think, these are two possibilities what the Chinese would think.

I think, there is also a third possibility: The people will assume that the woman thinks nationality and ethnicity are the same things.

[cyberlorian]

If you were thinking of assimilation into a culture where you would be able to pass, both culturally and racially, then you would be accepted by the society if you want to adjust to their norms. However, if any of three is missing (meaning, you're racially different, culturally different and you don't want to adjust to new society) it would cause the general unacceptance among the original population, and you would probably always have a feeling that something is missing because of it.

What do you think? I guess, if that ethnically Turkish woman answers as Chinese to the "what is your ethnicity" question, most Chinese would think that:
1) Either she is an assimilated one
2) Or, she simply does not want to tell about her real ethnic identity.
3) Or, the woman thinks nationality and ethnicity are the same things.
I think, these are three possibilities what the Chinese would think.

[pulstar]

What do you think? I guess, if that ethnically Turkish woman answers as Chinese to the "what is your ethnicity" question, most Chinese would think that:
1) Either she is an assimilated one
2) Or, she simply does not want to tell about her real ethnic identity.
3) Or, the woman thinks nationality and ethnicity are the same things.
I think, these are three possibilities what the Chinese would think.

I think most Chinese would not accept her as Chinese even if she somehow manages to get a Chinese citizenship. If she however could racially pass as Chinese, and acts in accordance to Chinese culture than most Chinese would not have problem with her.