Describe the difference between race and ethnicity. Then discuss how racial categories have evolved over the last few centuries (Why are people from India categorized as Asian and why are North Africans and Arabs categorized as White?).

While the two terms are commonly used interchangeably they actually have different meanings. While race refers to the social construct of physical characteristics like skin color and facial features, ethnicity refers more to cultural identities that are shared through shared language or heritage. It is crucial to make this distinction because it highlights how culture and the environment affect people’s identity.

Over time, society’s diversity and fluidity has led to a shift in the racial boundaries. People from India, for example are often categorized as Asian because of their geographic location and the long-standing cultural connections with other countries within this region. Similarly, North Africans and Arabs have been increasingly classified under the “White” category due to their lighter skin tone compared to other groups which may share similar cultural backgrounds.

Understanding the differences between race and ethnicity will help healthcare professionals better understand patient needs. This is because it allows them to take into consideration any biases or assumptions that might be made when dealing with people from different backgrounds. Knowing how the racial groups have evolved over time may help to understand why different populations might be mixed together.