What Race Am I?

Introduction

Figuring out what race you are can be an emotional, complicated and often overwhelming process. From the moment you are born, you are presented with the reality of belonging to a certain racial or ethnic group – but for some individuals this is far from clear. Individuals with a complicated family history or unknown ancestry can find themselves asking the question: “What race am I?”

The Social Construct of Race

The concept of race is a social construct. It is used to describe people based on various physical characteristics, but race itself is not based on any scientific evidence. There are a variety of social, historical and economic elements that exist outside of physical or biological features. In many cases, race can be deceiving and is not a definitive indicator of where someone’s true origins lie.

Contrasting Race and Ethnicity

It is important to make the distinction between race and ethnicity. While race is an artificial, social construct, ethnicity is the basis of individuals’ cultural identity. This can include national and cultural antecedents, traditional customs, language, religion, and ancestors. Ethnicity is largely based on a combination of religious and cultural affiliations that share a common heritage and can be traced to a specific geographical region.

Conclusion

Ultimately, what race you are is a highly individualized and highly emotional experience. Race serves as a social construct, and the term itself is often used as a general category for physical appearance. Yet ethnicity is connected to where our ancestors came from and the shared beliefs and practices among a specific community. When it comes to your own identity, it is best to explore all aspects of your family tree and cultural heritage, and to understand your personal history and connection to various social backgrounds.