First Week Blog Post

 Race and Ethnicity

In lecture, we discussed the terms race, ethnicity, and racial identity; these are terms I have always been confused about. In high school I remember filling out forms for standardized tests asking for race and ethnicity. While I know my ethnicity is Hispanic/Latina from discussing family history with my parents, I never understood race. The options seemed limited and I often felt excluded as the options were usually “white, black, etc.” I didn’t feel I identified as any of these options; this is why the term racial identity has cleared up much of my confusion. In class I was introduced to the fact that race is a social construct and actually has nothing to do with ancestry (J Rhodes-Carlson). 

After making my list of identities, the only one I again was unsure of was race. I know my nationality being born in the United States. While I know my culture through exposure with primarily my grandparents, I found it interesting the way the textbook explains it. Culture is "the norms, values, practices, communication, laws, customs, and meanings shared by a group of people located in a given time and place”(Sensoy, 36). I thought this was a great way to explain all the aspects that involve one’s culture.

I grew up in a dominant white suburban area in Texas. I was not comfortable with my ethnicity and ethnicity being surrounded by people who did not share my heritage. I often felt stereotyped and out of place. However, the older I got the more confident I became in my identity. I now hold my culture close to me, because it does make me the person I am. This is a new journey for me, so I know I still have a lot to explore and learn about myself.

I do believe I am open to learning about how to be more mindful and understanding of people different from me. However, I know this can be an uncomfortable journey at times. I plan to work through some of these uncomfortable situations by communicating with my classmates, knowing this is a learning experience for all of us. 


Citations

J Rhodes-Carlson, personal communication, January 12, 2022

Sensoy, O., & DiAngelo, R. (2017). Is everyone really equal? : An introduction to key concepts in social justice education. Teachers College Press. Pg 36-46.

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