Race and Ethinticity

Race is defined as a group that is socially set apart because of obvious physical differences.   I have a very close friend who is biracial; she is half white and half black.   Although her skin complexion is light, you can still tell that she is not fully white. She could be mistaken for either African-American or Hispanic and she has been many times throughout her life. The surprising thing is that her birth certificate says that her race is white because her mother is white. But to most people, if you asked them what race they considered her they would say black because of her obvious physical difference (her skin tone and complexion).   Ethnicity is defined as a group that is set apart from others because of its national origin or distinctive cultural patterns. The best examples I can think of for ethnicity are Asians. Although they can be considered a racial group as well, it would make more sense to break Asians down into their specific origins for their racial identities. For example, you can be Chinese or Japanese but when it comes down to it you are still Asian. Although you can be African-American and be from places other than Africa like Jamaica. But in reality, most people would just assume your “roots” come from Africa. These concepts are important in America because America is made up of nothing but immigrants. And although people of different skin colors are categorized into the most common ethnic groups, it’s important to know where they actually come from.