Jahan Amrin

Professor Aisha Sidibe

FIQWS 10103

14th November 2018

In Class Essay

Race is an idea of categorization often defined by people’s similarities and differences. Ethnicity can be defined as the categorization of cultural attributes in a nation. It is important to understand the concept of race and ethnicity. Many people believe that teaching their kids the importance of race and ethnicity will distance their kids from their own culture and tradition. However, it is important for parents to ensure that their children are exposed to the concept of race and ethnicity such that their kids will learn to accept the diversity within the world, and expand their knowledge.

Understanding the ideas of race and ethnicity, can help kids learn the insolent stereotypes and racism one may face. This can improve children from discriminating against one another. People from many different cultures face discrimination everyday whether it is in a job, a public area or anything government related. For instance, in the Maquiladoras, since it is controlled by foreign investors, it favored cheap labor. Mexicans were paid less than minimum wage in the foreign nation. This is discrimination because, since the foreign nation is controlling the shops, they believe they can enforce cheap labor on the shops. But we have to come to an understanding that this isn’t right. Parents not teaching their kids the true meaning of the phrase “all men are created equal” can have a big impact on them and the future. The more their kids are willing to understand this, the more they are willing to accept it.

When people from other countries who reside in a nation seeking for a better life and job, have many expectations from them. These immigrants are forced to understand the language and follow the customs that the country abides by or accustomed to. Usually when they see someone wearing something other than what their country’s cultural attire is expected of, that person often falls to the victim of harassment. For instance, in the “Myth of the Latin Women”, Maria was harassed by a male for her appearance and the way she looks. She was called another name “Evita” and was sang a song to her “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” by a man in front of his daughter. This sets a bad example to kids, especially if there fathers or mothers are the ones that are promoting discriminatory and racial beliefs. This often leads to their child, to believe that it is common and acceptable to discriminate against one’s culture and identity.

Parents teaching their kids the fundamentals of humanity and respect towards one another can promote positivity. As seen in many cultures, when traditional values are passed on from one generation to another it is often followed and praised throughout. If parents can do the same and teach their kids the beliefs of the true meaning of race and equality and hold it in a traditional aspect it can be passed on through generations after generation. More minors will be open minded towards one another when they encounter diversified situations that involves people of other race and gender.