Ethnic identities are interestingly and slowly being undermined by popular culture forms. This happens in two ways:1) newer generations being exposed to changing modes of communication, information accessing, and the distribution of capital wealth and 2) the effect of bifurcating the members of ethnic identities until the final result is a dichotomy representing the past versus the present.

One way in which popular culture forms modify, or all together impact ethnic identities can be seen through the regulation of consumption. Ethnic identities are no longer conflicted by a specific source, nor are a source regulated by any government intervention. Due to the accelerated advancements in communication, people have more access to information across borders that are overwhelming if one considers the influence of the internet.

Individuality is one and the same to selective clothing, music, and consumption. The strength of one’s ethnic identity is challenged by selective seduction. Ethnic identities become increasingly secularized due to the capitalistic ventures of selectivity; for example, fashion is an excellent portrayal of the bifurcation of ethnic identities. Fashion is no longer strictly a representation of cultural roots; however, it has become an expression of personal style and identity. The clothing that is sold in stores is influenced by these creations and manufactured into everyday wear. Clothing that once belonged to people of specific ethnic backgrounds is found mixed and matched on all types of people of different races and cultures; thus, an individual is admired for their selectivity which impacts their uniqueness rather than the unity of his/her ethnic origins.

Members within an ethnic identity are bifurcated, that is individuals are separated due to their modern (technological) and traditional beliefs (cultural roots). People in their own cultures oppose their cultural norms in favour of technological progress. This bifurcation causes the unity between those who have cultural capital and those who do not. Essentially, through every passing generation, technological advancements place emphasis on new generations and older generations become obsolete. Hence, to adapt to newer changes in technology, older generations become dependent on the new generation to help them understand their changing society; for example, children teaching their parents how to use the internet. This leads to a bifurcation between generations.

Cultural capital is inherently significant to the adaptation of ethnic identities. This creates individuals who have conformed to modernization as opposed to those who remain unhindered by modernity. In this manner, those who have been influenced by modernization are products of popular culture and members of ethnic identities begin to disagree with their cultural roots. In practicality, globalization leads to cultures which intersect in many different ways; for example, when immigrants come to North America and are expected to adhere and conform to North American costumes results in the loss of cultural roots. This is evident in second generation immigrants who arrive in North America with their family. The initial immigration would suggest that their parents are very strongly rooted in their culture whilst social pressures and media influences affect their children who naturally conform to North American customs as a form of survival; thus, removing values and traditions they had previously acquired in their country of origin.

Popular culture forms have given a new emphasis to selection in which members of a specific ethnic identity decide where to belong to. In this respect, the idea of belonging to an ethnic identity becomes obsolete. Rather than individuals being a part of an ethnic group, individuals would be a part of an artificially designated group (i.e. gangster, punk, etc…). This group designation alters the effect an ethnic group has on its members.