Race and ethnicity are often used interchangeably, but they hold distinct meanings. People’s rich and varied backgrounds contribute to the vibrant tapestry of global culture, molding traditions, customs, and artistic expressions. Knowing the difference between race and ethnicity and where they overlap is essential for celebrating diversity and creating an inclusive society. Learn what those distinctions are and how you can embrace your unique background and those of others. (Estimated reading time: 11 minutes)

There are several instances when we’re reminded of our race and ethnicity. It happens less often if you grew up in a relatively homogenous place where everyone looked and lived like you. But if you lived in a melting pot, where people came from different backgrounds and had varied appearances, it was natural to try and figure out where you fit in that mosaic.

Another time we’re reminded is whenever we’re asked to identify our race and ethnicity when filling out a Census form, a patient questionnaire, or a university application. In the United States, people are asked to choose from five racial categories: American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and White.

For someone unfamiliar with this type of classification, those options can be confusing and unclear, especially if you belong to a racial group with incredible diversity, such as Asia.

For instance, in the United Kingdom, ‘Asian’ is used as a shorthand for people from the Indian subcontinent, such as Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshi. However, in the U.S. and several other countries, the term “Asian” refers to East Asian people, including countries like China, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, etc.

Fortunately, over the years, there has been increased sensitivity towards the distinctions between the various Asian racial groups. Breaking the Asian category into “South Asians” and “East Asians” suggests a step in the right direction. But while it acknowledges the differences in physical attributes, it does not recognize the ethnic differences.

Ethnicity (a group of people who identify with each other based on perceived shared attributes) can tell us more about a person’s cultural affiliation and often their national origin. For instance, a person might be categorized as racially Asian and ethnically Japanese, but this understanding of ethnicity may not be recognized in other parts of the world.

In the U.A.E., where I grew up, people are classified based on their nationality, i.e., their passport country. This categorization makes sense, given that expat residents make up approximately 88% of the population who don’t have local Emirati passports. In this case, knowing their national background versus their race is more appropriate.

Yet, as someone who does not identify with my passport country, I struggled with the idea of being put into a box that had predetermined ideas about my mannerisms, tastes, views, and communication style.

In an increasingly globalized world, making assumptions about others’ racial and ethnic identities takes away a person’s freedom to portray the true version of themselves, which may or may not be connected to these identifiers. For outliers like me, it takes extra effort to prove ourselves to those who already make judgments based on my passport and race.

Given the differences and shortfalls in racial and ethnic classification, it’s essential to recognize that these are social and political constructs that weren’t created based on an understanding of the complexity of human nature. The meanings of these categories lack concrete definitions and evolve and shift depending on context.

This is important because our race and ethnicity can influence so many aspects of our lives based on where we fall in the social hierarchy. Even though humans share over 99 percent of their genetic material, these racial and ethnic variations between us affect the distribution of power, opportunity, and wealth.

By understanding the nuances of race and ethnicity and its impact on us, we can move toward creating an equal and just society.

Defining race and ethnicity

Race and ethnicity are often used interchangeably, but they hold distinct meanings. Race pertains to the physical attributes that differentiate one group of individuals from another, like skin color, hair texture, and facial features. These characteristics are observable and typically inherited, falling into broad categories like Black, White, Asian, or Indigenous.

On the other hand, ethnicity is a social construct that encompasses an individual’s cultural background, including shared traditions, language, religion, and heritage. It’s more fluid and subjective, as people can identify with multiple ethnicities or choose to embrace a specific ethnic identity based on their upbringing or personal experiences.

For instance, a person of mixed Spanish and African ancestry who grew up in the U.K. may identify with Spanish, African and British ethnicities if they feel close to those cultures.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that race and ethnicity are not fixed classifications, but rather social constructs that have evolved and continue to evolve over time. They are influenced by historical, cultural, and social factors, and can differ across various societies and contexts. Understanding these definitions can make us appreciate the rich diversity within the human race.

What are the differences between race and ethnicity?

Race and ethnicity, although distinct, often intersect and have the potential to impact one another. An individual’s racial heritage may be linked to a specific ethnic community, as certain races are connected to specific cultural practices and historical narratives. That’s why we need to recognize that these associations aren’t universally fixed and can vary from person to person.

Race is primarily defined by physical attributes, which are influenced by genetic factors. While these physical characteristics can be easily identified and categorized, they do not always align with an individual’s cultural or social affiliations. Conversely, ethnicity places more emphasis on cultural elements like language, tradition, and custom. It is a broader concept encompassing an individual’s social, cultural, and historical context.

Ethnicity can be shaped by factors such as migration and globalization. Through interactions with diverse cultures and movements across borders, individuals may adopt elements of different ethnic backgrounds or develop hybrid identities that reflect their varied experiences. This underscores the dynamic and adaptable nature of ethnicity.

This hybrid identity is observable in the children of immigrants and Third Culture Kids (TCKs), who were raised in a culture other than their parents’, away from the culture of their country of nationality, or have lived in a different environment for a significant part of their childhood development.

When the child of Chinese immigrant parents grows up in a multiracial and multiethnic country such as the United States, ethnic groups they’re exposed to in school, their neighborhood, and the workforce will them. Even if they have retained some Chinese heritage, their identity will amalgamate other beliefs and practices.

How history has shaped the social constructs of race and ethnicity

Race and ethnicity have played a significant role in shaping the course of history and culture. They have influenced the growth of societies, the establishment of nations, and the interactions between various groups. People’s categorization results from social, cultural, and political processes that have molded our understanding of human identity. However, it also perpetuates ideologies centered on race and ethnicity that aren’t based on biological traits.

In the past, race has been used to justify social hierarchies and oppressive systems. For example, during the era of colonialism, some Europeans labeled other peoples as inferior based on their physical characteristics to justify their domination. This pseudo-scientific ideology, known as scientific racism, has had far-reaching consequences and continues to impact societies today. It caused people to believe that different racial and ethnic groups possess inherently varying degrees of physical, intellectual, and moral development, categorizing them as superior or inferior.

The impact of using race and ethnicity to create social hierarchies is evident in several historical events, including colonization, slavery, and apartheid. These oppressive systems were rooted in the belief in racial superiority and resulted in the marginalization and exploitation of specific groups.

On the other hand, ethnicity has been influenced by cultural interactions, migration, and historical events. It allows individuals to connect with their cultural heritage and maintain a sense of identity in a globalized world.

Recognizing and understanding this historical context is crucial in addressing the persistent effects of racism. We can advance social justice by challenging harmful stereotypes and prejudices associated with these categories. It enables us to recognize that these distinctions aren’t based on inherent differences between people, but on collective perceptions and biases.

Race and ethnicity contribute to the vibrant tapestry of global culture. They mold the traditions, customs, and artistic expressions of diverse communities. By embracing and celebrating these cultural distinctions, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the contributions of different groups and foster cultural exchange and understanding.

The impact of race and ethnicity on self-perception

Race and ethnicity significantly impact how individuals perceive themselves and how others perceive them. They shape our identities and can be a source of pride, especially for those from marginalized racial and ethnic groups.

Embracing our identities can be a transformative and empowering journey. It allows us to connect with our cultural heritage, find a sense of belonging, and reclaim our own stories. Celebrating and respecting these identities is essential in promoting inclusivity and equality.

However, they also serve as a constant reminder of the discrimination and inequalities we face. That’s why it’s vital to develop multifaceted identities beyond our racial or ethnic backgrounds. While they are part of our identity, they don’t solely define us.

Various factors like family, upbringing, education, and personal experiences make us the unique people we are.

Challenging stereotypes and prejudices

Stereotypes and prejudices rooted in race and ethnicity permeate society and can have detrimental effects on individuals and communities. They perpetuate unfair treatment, exclusion, and inequality, contributing to systemic injustices.

Overcoming stereotypes and prejudices necessitates unlearning biases and engaging in critical self-reflection. This entails questioning our own assumptions and preconceived notions about various racial and ethnic groups, and actively seeking out alternative narratives and diverse perspectives.

Stereotypes are simplistic and often inaccurate generalizations about a specific group of people. They fail to capture the intricacies and diversity present within each racial or ethnic group. We can dismantle barriers and foster understanding and empathy by challenging these stereotypes and embracing complexity.

One way to achieve this is addressing common misconceptions fueling harmful stereotypes and prejudices. A prevalent misconception is the false belief in racial superiority or inferiority, which has been debunked by scientific research showing no genetic basis for such claims.

It’s also important to note that race and ethnicity do not determine individual behavior or character. Making assumptions about someone’s abilities, interests, or values based on their racial or ethnic background is unfair and inaccurate.

Celebrating our differences: promoting inclusivity and equality in society

Recognizing and celebrating diversity leads to an inclusive and harmonious society. When we embrace the idea that each person possesses a distinct set of experiences, viewpoints, and contributions, we establish an environment where everyone feels valued.

Diversity enhances our communities, workplaces, and educational institutions—it brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and knowledge. It fosters ingenuity, originality, and collaboration, as varied perspectives result in more comprehensive and creative solutions.

More importantly, embracing diversity enables us to challenge our own prejudices and broaden our comprehension of the world. Interacting with individuals from different backgrounds creates a broader outlook and cultivates empathy and cultural sensitivity.

Diversity extends beyond race and ethnicity. It encompasses various aspects of human identity, such as gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and ability. By embracing all forms of diversity, we establish a genuinely inclusive and equitable society.

Promoting inclusivity and equality requires a joint effort from individuals, communities, and institutions. It entails challenging our own biases and prejudices and actively seeking varied perspectives and experiences from all types of people.

Here are several approaches through which we can strive for a more inclusive society:

1. Education.

Encourage the promotion of education and awareness regarding race, ethnicity, and diversity. Foster open and honest discussions about these subjects in schools, workplaces, and communities. Provide resources and support for individuals to learn about different cultures and confront their own biases.

2. Representation.

Advocate for diverse representation in media, politics, and other influential spheres. Ensure that marginalized voices are heard and individuals from all backgrounds have equal opportunity to participate and thrive.

3. Empathy and understanding.

Cultivate empathy and knowledge by actively listening to and learning from individuals with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Seek opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations and connect with people from various communities.

4. Challenging stereotypes and prejudices.

Confront stereotypes and prejudices whenever they arise. Speak out against discriminatory practices and foster a culture of inclusivity and respect.

5. Policy and institutional change.

Advocate for policy and institutional changes that promote equality and inclusivity. Support legislation that safeguards the rights of marginalized communities and addresses systemic inequalities.

By taking these measures, we can contribute to creating a society that embraces diversity and appreciates the contributions of all individuals.

It’s crucial to confront and address prejudice whenever we encounter it. This can be achieved through education, dialogue, and advocacy. By speaking out against discriminatory practices and promoting inclusivity, we can contribute to establishing a more equitable and just society.

Our planet is home to an incredible diversity of creatures, including humanity. To appreciate the unique shade that each person adds to the canvas of our planet, you must embrace what makes them different from you and commemorate the commonalities you share. Only then can we collaborate to work on our joint collective mission to make our world a better and kinder place.

All my best on your journey,

Seline 

Questions for you: What comes to mind when you think about how your race and ethnicity have shaped you? How can this understanding help you see the richness in other’s backgrounds?

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