* Cultural practices: This includes traditions, beliefs, language, and customs associated with a specific race.
* Social experiences: This encompasses how a person has been treated or perceived based on their race in society.
* Self-identification: Ultimately, an individual's own feeling of belonging to a certain racial group is the core of their racial affiliation.
It's important to note that:
* Race is a social construct: There's no scientific basis for distinct racial categories. What we consider "race" is based on societal beliefs and power structures, not biological differences.
* Racial affiliation is fluid: An individual's racial identification can change over time, especially as they learn more about their heritage, culture, and personal experiences.
In essence, racial affiliation is about how a person identifies themselves within the complex and often arbitrary framework of race. It's not a simple matter of physical traits, but a deeply personal and culturally influenced aspect of identity.