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Race And Ethnicity In The Caribbean

709 Words3 Pages

The terms Race and Ethnicity are commonly and often used interchangeably when describing one’s physical appearances in today’s society, with the misconception that they are one in the same, however they are separate entities. Race in terms of anthropology is termed as the biological differences of human beings. These differences are inclusive of the following; skin and hair colour, muscular build, facial structure and other characteristics that one has gained from his or her genetic make -up. It’s quite difficult to totally expound changes of individuals solely based on physical traits. Ethnicity on the other hand, is a sect or a person’s comprehension of cultural identity and mentions cultural distinction among different societies. There are elements that are associated with ethnicity, these include: religion, geography, ancestry, nationality and language. This essay will explore and discuss race and ethnicity among The Caribbean (Trinidad and Tobago), India and Africa and how it affects culture in today’s society.

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the islands that make up the Caribbean or West Indies. It was first colonized by the Spaniards in the year 1498 and later by the Europeans in 1797 and later acquired independence a few years later in 1962. This twin island state is a multicultural one and is highly diverse. Africans, Indians, Europeans, Chinese and other mixed races all make up the population of 1.3 million people in Trinidad and Tobago. Our ancestors were slaves

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