"Symbolic ethnicity" is a term coined by Herbert Gans. It refers to ethnicity that is individualistic in nature and without real social cost for the individual. These symbolic identifications are essentially leisure time activities, rooted in nuclear family traditions reinforced by voluntary enjoyable aspects of being ethnic (Gans 424-429). "Symbolic ethnicity" is practiced and enjoyed by white Americans. It is a way for descendants of white Europeans to learn about and be proud of their heritage. That is not the case for non-whites who are grouped together by the white majority making ethnic identity difficult .

This type of ethnicity is rooted in immigrants of European descent. It could be the Feast of Saint Anthony or Columbus Day for the Italians. The Kosciusko Day Parade for the Polish, the Puerto Rican Day Parade, the St Patrick's Day celebrations for the Irish, the Greek festivals and carnivals held at the...