Psychological studies have found that many Americans have a biased view of what it means to be an American, often associating it with being white and speaking English. This bias can have consequences, including discriminatory behaviors in hiring and questioning others’ loyalty.

How Race Affects Who Belongs

Research has shown that many people who endorse egalitarian ideals still harbor prejudices over who is ‘really’ American. In one study, American adults across racial groups were fastest to associate the concept of ‘American’ with white people.

Another study found that children as young as 5-6 years old identify nationality with language, describing English speakers as American and Korean speakers as Korean. As they age, however, children increasingly view racial characteristics as an integral part of nationality.

Language and Nationality

The development of prejudice can even include feelings that disadvantage one’s own group. For example, Asian Americans who took part in the studies found white faces to be more American than Asian faces.

Understanding that biases exist may make it easier to correct them. Americans should ponder what it means to be an American and whether social biases distort their beliefs about who belongs.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.