What do the terms race and ethnicity mean to you?

Question

I really just don't know what to think. Can anyone give me some pointers on what you think.

Answer 1

There are four distinct races. African, Asian, Hispanic, and white (European). Within these races there are ethnic groups. For example, someone who is Japanese is Asian by race but ethnically is Japanese. Ethnic groups make up races. In many African countries there are many clashes between different ethnic groups. These people are alike in that they are African, but they are different because they are of a different ethnic group.

Answer 2

I think only in America is the problem of using "race" and
ethnicity" automatically taken to be derogatory. I suppose this grew out of the issues Black people have, rather than most other races. In my opinion, ethnicity, means culture, country (and race, I suppose, but that is least). Race is purely a scientific thing as to your DNA. DNA-wise, Italians and Greeks may be quite similar but they have different traditions, religion, history. The same might even be true between all Middle eastern persons, both Muslim and Jewish (which are religions in this sense). I would suppose that race-wise they are closer than, say, an Egyptian and a Norwegian.

In the parts of the world I've been in, exclusive of the USA, it is perfectly normal and natural to casually speak of race and ethnicity without fear of being branded a racist for just noticing a difference in facial features or skin color. It is a sad commentary on the USA.

Answer 3

As I understand it race typically is a more generic term refering to appearance i.e. Black, White, Asian, Indian, etc. Ethnicity tends to be more specific and include cultural elements too i.e. Hispanic, Nigerian, Germanic, Celtic, etc. Typically race is extrinsic too in that society defines what is black or white. however ethnicity is intrinsic in that the person self identifies with a particular group. So if I see someone dark skinned, I might call him black, but he may call himself Jamaican. Of course keep in mind that both race and ethnicity are social constructs which have little to no basis in science. It's been shown that there is no race gene and in fact skin comes in all tones like a continuum and there is no dividing line between black and white.

Answer 4

they mean where the persons ethnicity is ...thats all it means...i dont like it when people use it against other people..i am sorry but not one race is more superior than the others. and ppl dont get to pick which race they are from...they are born in it..i am middle eastern( central asia) and my husband is african american..ppl have to see past the race...u can be white black or brown like me..but it is just a color...that is all it is..so think of it as a part of who you are and your history , cherish and be proud who you are but dont forget treat every other race with the same respect cuz dont forget those other races have the history as well and importance to their people.

Answer 5

when you look at DNA they mean nothing nothing at all they do not make one bit of differance. I am human you are human. ANy person who defines his or herself by there race or ethinicity is a racist. I am white.I am black. TO me they are racist terms and are no longer acceptable or moral ways of thinking. We are human. IF we dont wake up and realize we are all brothers we will all be dead humans.