What Is the Difference between Race and Ethnicity - Essay Example

Race and ethni In regard to human beings, race consists of the distinct physical differences, whether they are real or imagined, from one group of people to another. These differences and traits are biological, prompting that each person is externally classified into a race, rather than an individual deciding for themselves. Ethnicity, though quite similar to race, also encompasses the social traits that are shared by a certain human population. These traits include religious faith, languages, nationality, and shared culture and traditions.

The terms race and ethnicity differ from each other in the sense that race involves something that is not determined by the individual and is a physical aspect. The various traits of ethnicity, however, are able to be decided be the individual. The former is predetermined, the latter is free choice. Ethnicity is also something that can be changed later in the future, such as someone changing their religious path or moving to a new location and learning their language. Furthermore, not everyone of the same race shares the same ethnicity.

It is quite common to see numerous races in the various identities of ethnicity. To me, race and ethnicity are just two other ways to describe and classify human beings. These categories are far from being broad, further showing the amount of diversity in the world. Everyone has a race and ethnicity to their name; while we have all coped with our race, there are many of us that constantly go about changing our ethnicity. Though people could live without such classification, it means something to them to be able to label themselves among others that think or live similarly to them.

These concepts are important to United States society because they all us to find connection with other races and ethnicities. African Americas find solace with other African Americans, much as Christians feel more connected with other Christians. Likewise, we are able to note our differences and similarities with other races and ethnicities, not only allowing us to appreciate our unique traits, but appreciating the differences of others.