Importance of Ethnic Groups

Knowing where one comes from is an elementary factor in defining one's own identity, since it depends on knowing what culture one belongs to, why one is where one is, and many other things. This is why the concept of ethnic groups is central to understanding Humanity in its diversity richest: the concept that we are all brothers but each one is unique in itself.

Ethnic groups from a geographical point of view

The concept of ethnic groups is one that is used to designate the different human communities throughout the globe.

While in other times people used to talk about races, today it is more accepted to talk about ethnic groups that are traditionally located in different parts of the planet and build their identity there. In this sense, the concept has a direct and very important link with the geography since the features of a community depend on and are related to the place where that people arose, and this This is the case from the geographical elements that influence the life of these communities, such as the climate, the

natural resources, the landscape, even the inhabited space and its interaction with other peoples.

A notion that can coexist with that of human equality

Although the idea of ​​ethnic groups is accepted worldwide, it is also linked to the idea that we are all equal. This is so because as human beings, we all have and are born with the same characteristics that make us equal to all other humans.

This equality applies with regard to the development and respect of all the rights that characterize us all. But it also comes from the side that establishes that each ethnic group must be respected and taken into account like the others, regardless of their culture, their history or their physical characteristics.

Discrimination and xenophobia as two evils that attack ethnicity

A very current element that arises when we talk about ethnic groups is the problem of discrimination, xenophobia and racism. All these phenomena develop when a certain ethnic group exerts power over another, either at a distance or in the same territory.

He does not respect the traditions, beliefs and customs of other ethnic groups can unleash the most cruel and unworthy killings that are justified with the idea of ​​racial superiority. This can happen, and it is especially complex, when within the same territory there are several ethnic groups that can confront each other.

Photos: Fotolia. filipefrazao – Wong Sze Fei