“The identity is more likely to be ascribed, rather than voluntary. For the individuals who fit into this particular category, ethnicity is inescapable” (Origins and Importance of Ethnicity). This quote is powerful, and there is a deeper meaning behind it.

Niveen Khreisha

ENGL 100-20390

Professor Altebarmakian

15 Feb 2020

Essay 1 – Ethnicity

“The identity is more likely to be ascribed, rather than voluntary. For the individuals who fit into

this particular category, ethnicity is inescapable” (Origins and Importance of Ethnicity). This

quote is powerful, and there is a deeper meaning behind it. I have come to the conclusion that

whether or not someone may be initiated to their ethnicity, it plays a key role in their identity. We

may not realize it, but our actions and decisions are shaped due to our cultural background.m

Ethnicity is the fact or state of belonging to a social group that has a common national or cultural

tradition. Ethnic is an adjective that relates to larger groups of people who share a certain racial,

religious, cultural, or other traits. In Middle English, ethnic meant heathen or pagan. The word

originated from the Late Latin ethnicus, from Greek ethnikos “foreign,” from ethnos “nation.” The

word ethnicity has been used for paganism in the 18th century, but now came to the meaning of

what it is today. The term was first recorded in 1935 and entered the Oxford English Dictionary

in 1972. What most people generally think of when they hear the word ethnicity is their

background and language. To me, ethnicity means embracing myself through my religion,

traditions, and family.

Religion plays a role in terms of my identity and ethnicity. Without an underlying belief or

value, it would be purposeless to me. Having these morals are connected to my ethnicity and

have shaped me to become who I am today. For instance, I am a Palestinian muslim, both my

ethnicity and beliefs are intertwined because of culture. This religion is the reason I may think

twice about certain decisions, I would say my perception is definitely different from the rest. I

tend to observe rather than speak. My religion is based on the aspects of peace. Another great

example of a tradition we have in our culture is Ramadan. Ramadan happens once every year

during the summer. We fast all day and feast at a certain time. This is a way of cleansing our

souls. I love this because it reminds me to cherish my God as well as the ones I love most. It

also teaches me to practice good behavior and live life fearlessly. Religion is such an important

factor within a culture, because religion is something that many middle easterns value most.

Religion is taken very seriously and that is why ethnicity has it’s factors that are linked back to

one’s identity. By embracing my religion, it means that I am embracing my ethnicity. For me,

ethnicity correlates with the values behind the culture. With that being said, my religion is a part

of my background and where I come from. Without this connection with my morals and values,

my identity would be complete. Along with that, my ethnicity is so important in terms of

understanding morals and values. There is a sense of respect that should be understood when

dealing with a culture like mine. Whenever I find myself in times of distress and encounter the

biggest setbacks of my life, religion is a component of my ethnicity that comforts me and shows

me the light of my life.

Traditions are important to one’s ethnicity and identity in general. Within these traditions,

we tend to find happiness with these routines. We are surrounded by family and what makes us

the happiest. Traditions in the middle east are slightly different from other cultures. Of course,

foods vary depending on the type of culture. For example, in a mexican culture, tamales are

served for christmas. On the other hand, middle easterns, for any celebration, we serve Mansaf.

Mansaf is a dish in which it consists of rice, lamb, and a dairy sauce. This meal is supposed to

symbolize happiness and joy. It was originally made to be eaten with one’s hands. There are no

spoons or forks involved, families would eat from one big play of rice. It all depends, sometimes

it can get messy and it would be easier off if it was just eaten off of everyone’s own plate. The

beauty of eating this certain dish is eating it with the ones you love. Side by side, enjoying the

meal and having conversations filled with laughter. Another tradition would be the serving of

coffee for gatherings. Typically, when there are people over, I would have to arrange beautiful

coffee silverware, and serve them to each person. This is a sign of respect to the people. There

are so many traditions within my culture, and each and every one of them have shaped my

identity and have helped get one step closer to finding who I am.

Family plays a big role within the actions of the household. Within the household, we all

share the same rules and responsibilities. Because we are all middle eastern, our ethnicity

shapes the kind of parenting that has been set off. To illustrate, typically, if anyone in the house

would like to go out to watch a movie, or do anything fun, they would have a curfew. Parents

within our culture tend to worry a lot more, and they usually would never let their children spend

the night over anywhere else but their own home. Another good example would be the way

situations are handled between siblings. For me, I am the youngest in the house, so when I

make mistakes, they tend to be a little harder on me for my actions. I have learned the hard way

in certain situations, but these setbacks have definitely given me a stronger character. I am

grateful to live in such a culture and ethnicity that is so unique. Middle easterns definitely

perceive the world in a different lense, but that is the beauty of it. My identity was developed

also through discipline. Discipline is so important within our culture. Respect amongst our

parents and elders is important. Family is the main puzzle piece to a beautiful culture, since

behind culture and ethnicity lies the tradition, rules, and understanding.

All in all, religion, tradition, and family have all been components of my ethnicity and

identity. Understanding your ethnicity means finding portals to embracing who you are, finding

your purpose, and cherishing every moment along the way. This topic on ethnicity is so

important because people must understand that each cultural value is different and they are all

affected by the way it is structured. Different cultures have different morals, different foods,

languages, there is a certain style and motive to every ethnicity. The main importance and

significance is to embrace who you are, there is beauty within all ethnicities. One may think that

an ethnicity does not alter an individual, but it does! My experiences have taught me that your

background and who you are is intertwined with your perceptions of the world, therefore, your

identity is very well connected with ethnicity.

The post “The identity is more likely to be ascribed, rather than voluntary. For the individuals who fit into this particular category, ethnicity is inescapable” (Origins and Importance of Ethnicity). This quote is powerful, and there is a deeper meaning behind it. appeared first on Versed Writers.

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