Sociology Reflection Essay

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Troy Walters 3/5/13 Sociology 206 Reflection Paper 2 We have covered a lot of topics in Sociology of Conflict 206 in such a relatively short time this year. Our most recent discussions have been on race and the different ethnic groups. A common misunderstanding is that race and ethnicity are synonymous and can be used interchangeably. However, this is incorrect as they are two different categories. Race focuses more on skin color and appearance. In contrast ethnicity is based on where we are from and our origins. A person may be considered black if they are of a dark complexion or white if they possess a much lighter tone. This issue becomes more complex because people can be any color in between. There is also the problem that arises for example if a person is of either color but they come from a place such as Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic. One may not be want to be identified as black because of its association with being African-American. Similarly a person may not wish to be labeled white and mistaken for a Caucasian. I am a person who bears a dark complexion and of Guyanese origin. My family’s origins can be traced to multiple locations such as India, Africa and China. Here in America i notice Blacks and African-Americans are two terms that are often used interchangeably. Most surveys given in schools even have the two labeled together. Rarely do you see the black race given with any other ethnicity. This can become confusing for myself as well as many other people who come from multiple ethnicities. Is it fair for a
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