Some people just live to cause as much trouble as they can, and this 'black' American is almost certainly one of them.

The answer in the case of the person pretending to be black when she clearly is not, is that she is ill.

In his final words, the writer has his the answer to his question: "...self-identity is taken very seriously by some people, and non-acceptance can result in an emotionally charged reaction.

People who cannot come to terms with who and what they are become sick and unhappy.

Agreed, look at all the pseudo 'lesbians' and 'feminists' in modern society . . . they are usually just looking for something vaguely radical to identify with.

Hi there CODY & TTBN...

I couldn't agree with you both more ! There's something quite psychologically awry, when an individual goes to such inordinate lengths, merely to find a cause in which to rally for or against ? There are many more laudatory charities or ideals, where a loud voice of support, would do so much positive good ? Still these 'ideals' rarely make the headlines, or even a media mention.

THERE"S A DNA test that not only identifies your ethnic origins, but the locality with which they are most strongly identified with?
Rhrosty.

Why do some people adopt an ethnicity that does not appear to be their own?

Stupidity might play a big part.