Ever tripped over the terms 'race' and 'ethnicity'? You're not alone! While often used interchangeably, they represent distinct aspects of identity.
**Race** is primarily a social construct based on perceived physical characteristics, like skin color or hair texture. Historically, it's been used to categorize people and, unfortunately, justify discrimination and power imbalances. It's important to remember that race isn't rooted in science or biology, but rather in social perceptions.
**Ethnicity**, on the other hand, relates to shared cultural heritage, traditions, language, ancestry, and often, a shared geographic origin. Think of it as the tapestry of customs and beliefs that bind a group of people together. You might identify as Italian-American, showcasing your Italian ethnicity alongside your American nationality.
In short, race is about how you're *seen*, while ethnicity is about where you *come from* culturally. Understanding this difference is crucial for fostering empathy and challenging harmful stereotypes.
