Is color a good way to classify people in very enormous groups? We often see on forms to categorize our selves as either white, black or other so what does this actually imply? Is it fair to divide the world into only these few groups? In many countries, people would find this classificaton difficult since family members might resemble one or more of the classifications.
Due to our cultural and traditional heritages, the world does have many different types of ethnically diverse people who share similar customs and history. Due to the globalization in the past few centuries, many of these groups have now ended up in various parts of the planet and are often required to reclassify themselves or fall into certain of these larger categories. Many of the ethnically distinct cultures are now being turned into heterogenous cultures due to religion and international business practices. It seems to simplify this complexity, people are ready accept only a few groups to identify people.
Is not identity one of the most important part of someone’s self image? Where do I fit and what group do I belong to? Since these tradional forms of self identity according to somenone’s traditional heritage are changing in our modern society to a more streamlined version of a few groups, people are being forced to accept tastes that are not normally accostumed to. Being part of a larger group such as white or black gives people more so called political power but it seems it would be wiser to forget about these classifications since they are too reductive.
The beauty of people is their diversity in their cultures and it is important to continue our cultural diversities. Many people have already forgotten about or have been forced to give up their traditions due to imperialistic practices so should we try not to save what we have? These larger groups offcourse have much more economic and cultural influences and can control the flow peoples into their groups but many of our cultural roots and ties are being lost in the process.
Tags: cultural groups, diversity, people
