Americans have been told we have no identity, culture, people or country.
The Ethnic American Project is a visionary initiative dedicated to recognizing, defining, and revitalizing the distinct ethnic identity of Ethnic Americans, rooted in the historical and legal foundations of the United States as articulated in the Naturalization Act of 1790. This foundational legislation, one of the first acts of the newly formed U.S. Congress, explicitly outlined the criteria for American citizenship, limiting it to “free white persons of good moral character.” The Ethnic American Project seeks to reclaim and formalize this historical identity as a cohesive ethnicity, grounded in shared ancestry, culture, values, and historical experience, while addressing the modern challenges of cultural erosion and loss of identity. By reestablishing the Ethnic American identity, this project aims to preserve a vital component of the nation’s heritage and foster unity among those who trace their lineage and values to the founding stock of the United States.
Ethnic American identity is not merely a nostalgic reflection on the past but a rigorous framework that meets the established anthropological and sociological criteria for an ethnicity. A combination of shared ancestry, cultural traditions, language, history, and a collective sense of belonging typically defines an ethnicity. Ethnic Americans, as defined by the project, fulfill these requirements comprehensively. Their shared ancestry stems from the predominantly European settlers, largely of Anglo-Saxon, Celtic, Germanic, as well as other European nations, unified under the term “White,” these groups joined together to established the United States. These groups brought with them distinct cultural practices, including a commitment to individual liberty, self-governance, and a Protestant work ethic, which became the bedrock of American civic and cultural life. The English language, shaped by these settlers and their descendants, serves as a unifying linguistic thread, morphed into a unique language itself. American English is detefually different than British English. This collective history, from the struggles of the colonial era to the triumphs of the American Revolution , to modern war 98% of historical military deaths have been Ethnic American or their ancestors.
The Ethnic American Project asserts that this identity, while rooted in the 1790 Naturalization Act’s criteria of “free white persons of good moral character,” transcends mere legalism to encompass a living, breathing cultural and ethnic reality. The act’s emphasis on “good moral character” reflects the values of integrity, civic responsibility, and community-mindedness that were central to the early American ethos and remain integral to the Ethnic American identity. These values, combined with a shared heritage and historical experience, create a cohesive ethnic group that is as valid and vibrant as any other recognized ethnicity in the modern world.
Yet, the Ethnic American identity has been systematically marginalized, diluted, and, in many ways, stolen from its rightful heirs. Over time, the forces of globalization, mass immigration, and cultural relativism have eroded the recognition of Ethnic Americans as a distinct group with a unique contribution to the nation’s fabric. This erosion has led to a crisis of identity, where the descendants of America’s founding peoples are often denied the right to celebrate their heritage or assert their cultural distinctiveness without facing accusations of exclusion or prejudice. The Ethnic American Project contends that this loss of identity is not merely a personal or cultural tragedy but a threat to the very soul of the nation. The United States, as envisioned by its founders, was built upon the principles, values, and cultural framework of its original settlers. To lose this identity is to risk losing the foundational ideals that have sustained the nation through centuries of challenges and triumphs.
Reestablishing the Ethnic American identity is, therefore, not an act of division but a vital step toward national renewal. By embracing and celebrating this ethnicity, we honor the sacrifices of those who built the nation and ensure that their vision endures for future generations. The Ethnic American Project calls for a renaissance of pride, unity, and purpose among Ethnic Americans, encouraging them to reclaim their heritage, preserve their cultural legacy, and contribute to a stronger, more cohesive nation. In a time of uncertainty and division, the restoration of this identity offers a path forward—a way to reconnect with the principles that made America exceptional and to safeguard its future as a beacon of liberty, opportunity, and unity. Through education, community-building, and advocacy, the Ethnic American Project seeks to restore what has been lost and to forge a future where Ethnic Americans stand proudly as the soul of America.