Ethnicity is a complex part of identity, and depending on where you live in the world, you may or may not share your ethnic identity with other people who make up your culture. Ethnicity can be a part of culture, shaping our beliefs, values, and traditions. We live in a highly connected world where many people migrate during their lifetime. Ethnicity can serve to unite or divide groups of people and may even undergo a blending to create new ethnic identities.
I think that the best way for anyone to talk about ethnicity is to begin by talking about themselves. What is your ethnic identity? You have the insider perspective here, so write about some of your family's traditions that re-affirm your ethnic identity! After identifying some cultural patterns that shape your ethnic identity, you may wish to compare and contrast these with the greater culture you live in. For example, I live in the United States, but my ancestors are from Italy. On holidays, my family prepares traditional Italian dishes to remind us of and connect us to our heritage as Italian-Americans. Outside of the home, we speak English, but sometimes at home we use Italian words or phrases.
How do you create and re-affirm your ethnic identity? How does this relate to your greater culture or nationality? Do you think your ethnic identity has experienced change throughout the past?
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