The world is a diverse place of people, languages, beliefs, and ethnicity. Russia has more than 120 ethnic groups, the Philippines has more than 180 ethnic groups, and Nigeria has more than 250 ethnic groups. But what is ethnicity?

According to the book, Introduction to Sociology 2e (2015): “Ethnicity is a term that describes shared culture- the practices, values, and beliefs of a group. This culture might include shared language, religion, and traditions, among other commonalities (p.227).” 1 Ethnicity can also involve the belief in a common ancestry. And it can differ among the same race or nationality.

“Historically, the concept of race has changed across cultures and eras, and has eventually become less connected with ancestral and familial ties, and more concerned with superficial physical characteristics” (p. 226). 2 As previously mentioned on this blog: 1.) race has several elements, 2.) racism exists as a system of power, 3.) racism has roots as a war strategy in the Transatlantic Slave Trade (maritime approx. 1482 C.E – 1850 C.E), and 4.) being the same race as the dominant power group in society grants automatic benefits of cultural capital and social rewards. But it does not make these individuals immune from personal hardships, nor does it mean they all will engage in acts of discrimination. Although, it is recognized others will.

We must remember that ancient Africa was a diverse continent made up of multiple nations, languages, cultures, and ethnic groups. However, once aboard the Transatlantic slave ships, the human cargo began to have their cultural identities replaced with the label of “African Slave.” You were no longer a Bantu, Igbo, or Akan. For example, France and Germany are on the same continent of Europe, but they are recognized as different nations with their own cultures. The continent of Africa also had several different nations in antiquity. Today, the large continent of Africa maintains its cultural diversity with its 54 nations.

The multiple ethnic groups of enslaved Africans brought to the Americas, were forcefully amalgamated into a single ethnic Black population. Those who survived the Middle Passage sea voyage were typically “seasoned” in the Caribbean islands and then distributed through-out the Western Hemisphere. They had to adjust to tragic standards of inhumanity in these foreign lands. These circumstances created a new singular ethnicity in most New World regions. This Black population intermarried, engaged in slave revolts together, and began to create their own cultural identity, while being shackled in a hostile nation.

The new population of Africans, to a land that would later become the United States, created their own traditions, such as “jumping the broom” to celebrate weddings, spiritual hymns sung in the cotton fields to teach about being a runaway slave, and amazing food created from the scraps thrown to them from the enslavers. As time progressed, generations of their offspring would continue to define their culture through music, art, literature, intellectualism, and culinary expertise. Just to name a few.

African Americans, who are the ancestral survivors of enslaved Africans, have little knowledge about their early ethnic origins due to enforced historical amnesia. However, the DNA testing company African Ancestry, allows individuals to trace their origins. They claim to have the largest African genetic database. Based on your results, they can match you to similar genetic sequences, that have a probability of being your same ethnic group.

Ethnicity on its own is not testable. But biology can be tested and population genetics can infer ethnicity. The company states its results can trace a genetic family line backwards of 500-2000 years. This testing method can assist individuals in search of their ethnic origins. Some people of the same race can have a different ethnicity. For example, these ethnic differences can be seen in the nations of Nigeria, Russia, and the Philippines.  

Nationality is related to a people within the same geographical area who share a similar culture and common historical identity. If they are a recognized nation on the world stage, their citizens can travel abroad with a passport that designates their nationality (the nation to which they belong). People can have dual citizenship or surrender their nationality for another one.

But what can be quite enjoyable is when ethnicity, race, and nationality blissfully collide-especially in the kitchen! While on vacation some years back, in Reykjavik, Iceland, I had lunch at a Haitian-Icelandic fusion restaurant near the old harbor. The restaurant owners were a husband and wife team. The fish stew served was a generous portion and very flavorful. There I was, an African American eating Haitian fusion cuisine in Iceland. And loving every bite of it!

Bibliography

(1, 2) Griffiths, Heather and Keirns, Nathan. Introduction to Sociology 2e. Openstax. April 24, 2015. Houston, Texas. https://openstax.org/books/introduction-sociology-2e/pages/11-1-racial-ethnic-and-minority-groups 

Thought Co.: Understanding the Difference Between Race and Ethnicity (2021)

https://www.thoughtco.com/difference-between-race-and-ethnicity-2834950

Note: 1.) The African Ancestry DNA company was previously mentioned in the August 2019 Edition, to view the full edition click here. 2.) The article “Thoughts About Ethnicity” was first published in the March 2022 Edition, to view the full edition click here. 3.) Correction: I misremembered the restaurant as Jamaican fusion but it was actually Haitian fusion cuisine. I found their business card and have added this correction to the repost article.